arraign

[uh-reyn]

verb (used with object)

1. Law.,  to call or bring before a court to answer to an indictment, a formal charge for which it has been ascertained that there is enough evidence to warrant trial.

   He is scheduled to be arraigned this morning on drug and gun charges.

2. to accuse or charge in general; criticize; censure.

   I am not arraigning Professor Wells for these omissions, only mentioning them to indicate how complex such questions can be.

arraign

/ əˈreɪn /

verb

1. to bring (a prisoner) before a court to answer an indictment

2. to call to account; complain about; accuse

Other Word Forms

• arraignment noun
• arraigner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arraign¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English arainen, from Anglo-French arainer, Old French araisnier, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + raisnier, from unrecorded Vulgar Latin ratiōnāre “to talk, reason”; ratio

Word History and Origins

Origin of arraign¹

C14: from Old French araisnier to speak, accuse, from _a- ² + raisnier, from Vulgar Latin ratiōnāre (unattested) to talk, argue, from Latin ratiō a reasoning

Example Sentences

Mr Comey is set to appear in court on 9 October to be arraigned on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

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They were arraigned Wednesday in San Diego Superior Court and face up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.

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Prowell was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, but his hearing was delayed to Oct. 16th, according to a district attorney’s office spokesperson.

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He will be arraigned again in the coming weeks, prosecutors said.

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The outlet also reported that the actor will be arraigned Sept. 16.

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