voir dire

[vwahr deer, vwar deer]

noun

Law.

1. an oath administered to a proposed witness or juror by which they are sworn to speak the truth in an examination to ascertain their competence to serve.

2. the examination of a proposed witness or juror to ascertain their competence to serve.

voir dire

/ vwɑː ˈdɪə /

noun

1. the preliminary examination on oath of a proposed witness by the judge

2. the oath administered to such a witness

Word History and Origins

Origin of voir dire¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Anglo-French, equivalent to Old French voir “true, truly” + dire “to say”

Word History and Origins

Origin of voir dire¹

C17: from Old French: to speak the truth