arraign

American  

[uh-reyn] / əˈreɪn /

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 British  

/ 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

• arraigner noun
• arraignment noun

Etymology

Origin of arraign

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

Example Sentences

Speaking to local media, Youngblood said he had no one who could arraign the supervisor within a limited time frame, but Kern County prosecutors dispute that.

From Los Angeles Times

He spoke only once in court, when the judge asked if he waived his right to be arraigned Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 30.

From The Wall Street Journal

Belt is in custody on $2 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, Johnson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Kwatra, who is scheduled to be arraigned later this month, said he was confident he would prevail.

From The Wall Street Journal