noun
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a person who appeals
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law the party who appeals to a higher court from the decision of a lower tribunal
adjective
Etymology
Origin of appellant
1400–50; late Middle English appellaunt < Anglo-French; Old French apelant, present participle of apeler to appeal; see -ant
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Explanation
An appellant is someone who has filed a request asking a judge to change an earlier legal decision. When someone who's been convicted of a crime files an appeal, hoping for a different outcome in a new courtroom, they become an appellant. Usually with the help of an attorney, the appellant submits written arguments in favor of an appeal to a judge. The opposing side does the same, and the judge decides whether or not the case warrants another trial. Appellant is from the French appeller, "make an appeal," and a Latin root meaning "appeal to."
Vocabulary lists containing appellant
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After another brief exchange of words, the appellant participated without further incident in the flag-raising detail.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2025
“We conclude the trial court failed to take some necessary factors into account during sentencing when considering whether appellant was eligible for probation,” he wrote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2024
"North Norfolk District Council welcomes this decision in what has been an important and complex case for the local community, the appellant and the council," a statement said.
From BBC ● May 22, 2023
“Both the circuit court and state’s attorney for Baltimore failed repeatedly to provide appellant Young Lee that dignity, respect, and sensitivity he is entitled to receive in this state,” lawyer David Sanford argued in court.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 2, 2023
"Is the appellant Lewis Pyneweck in court?" asked Chief-Justice Twofold, in a voice of thunder, that shook the woodwork of the Court, and boomed down the corridors.
From In a Glass Darkly, v. 1/3 by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
