arraignment

[ uh-reyn-muhnt ]
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noun
  1. Law. an act or instance of bringing someone before a criminal court to hear or read and answer to an indictment, the formal charge initiating the case: 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.

Origin of arraignment

1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English arainement, from Middle French araisnement; see arraign, -ment

Other words from arraignment

  • non·ar·raign·ment, noun

Words Nearby arraignment

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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