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

Parias remained in the hospital Wednesday, pushing back his arraignment on a charge of assaulting a federal officer to an undetermined date.

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After a grand jury returns an indictment at the request of a prosecutor, the accused appears in court for their arraignment.

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Jackson is expected to appear in court for an arraignment later this week.

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His attorneys were reportedly planning to travel with Mr Comey to his court arraignment - a more common move for a non-violent criminal case.

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An attorney for Samane, 25, of Los Angeles, said she intends to plead not guilty at an arraignment next month and declined further comment.

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Related Words

• indictment