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cross-action

American  
[kraws-ak-shuhn, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌæk ʃən, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

Law.
  1. an action brought within the same lawsuit by one defendant against another defendant or against the plaintiff.


Etymology

Origin of cross-action

First recorded in 1865–70

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.

Denial of access to the evidence would hamper the company's efforts to "prosecute its own cross-action against potentially implicated subcontractors," the filing said.

From Los Angeles Times

It is known as recoupment or offset when a defendant brings a cross-action against a plaintiff for non-fulfillment by the latter of some part of the contract in controversy, and as set-off when the defendant introduces the debt owed to him over against the debts sued for by the plaintiff.

From Project Gutenberg

By a singular cross-action of spiritual influence Angela's recollections of the unhappy Duvemet began to recur to her mind with fresher force, and along with these the intolerable consciousness of her ruined love,--the loveliest blossom that had budded in her youthful heart.

From Project Gutenberg

There is the again usual cross-action of an at first hopeless affection on the part of the roturier's son, Pascal Carvajan, a rising lawyer, for Antoinette de Clairefont.

From Project Gutenberg