arraignment

[uh-reyn-muhnt]

noun

1. Law.,  an act or instance of bringing someone before a criminal court to hear an indictment, or formal charge, against them and to enter a plea in response to that charge.

   At her arraignment Crane pleaded not guilty, and the trial was set for May 21.

2. a calling into question or a finding fault, especially with respect to the value or virtue of something; critical examination.

   In his arraignment of the basic weaknesses in the nation's social fabric, he drew special attention to racism.

Other Word Forms

• nonarraignment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arraignment¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English arainement, from Middle French araisnement; equivalent to arraign + -ment

Example Sentences

His arraignment is slated for the end of September.

From BBC

He’s scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Brown is in federal custody in South Carolina and will enter a plea to the charges at his arraignment in the coming weeks, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of California.

From Los Angeles Times

He pleaded not guilty on all counts at his arraignment on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Lil Nas X appeared at his arraignment on Monday and pleaded not guilty to four felony counts stemming from his arrest last week.

From Salon

Related Words

• indictment