attorney

[ uh-tur-nee ]

noun

, plural at·tor·neys.

1. a lawyer; attorney-at-law.
2. an attorney-in-fact; agent.

attorney

/ əˈtɜːnɪ /

noun

1. a person legally appointed or empowered to act for another
2. a lawyer qualified to represent clients in legal proceedings
3. a solicitor

Derived Forms

• atˈtorneyˌship, noun

Other Words From

• at·torney·ship noun
• subat·torney noun plural subattorneys
• subat·torney·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorney¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French attourne literally, “(one who is) turned to,” i.e., “(one who is) appointed,” past participle of attourner “to attorn ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorney¹

C14: from Old French atourné, from atourner to direct to; see attorn

Example Sentences

The House Ethics Committee is scrapping a planned Friday meeting as pressure builds for the oversight panel to release a report on attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

From Salon

“None of the attorneys had what Trump wants, and they didn’t talk like Gaetz,” the adviser said.

From Salon

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office filed felony charges of identity theft, false impersonation and grand theft against Porter, according to Burbank police.

From Los Angeles Times

We got the answer with Wednesday’s announcement of his intent to nominate Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general: worse even than the worst-case scenario we had imagined.

From Los Angeles Times

Acosta’s attorney noted during that trial that the teenage girl had lied to police and prosecutors, including alleging that her mother had abused her and had previously denied telling anyone about the alleged abuse.

From Los Angeles Times