demurrer

[ dih-mur-er ]

/ dɪˈmɜr ər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR demurrer ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person who demurs; objector.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

demulsify, demur, demure, demurrage, demurral, demurrer, demuth, demuth, charles, demutualize, demy, demyelinate

Origin of demurrer

demur + -er¹

Definition for demurrer (2 of 2)

demurrer

[ dih-mur-er ]

/ dɪˈmɜr ər /

noun

Law. a pleading in effect that even if the facts are as alleged by the opposite party, they do not sustain the contention based on them.

an objection raised; demur.

Origin of demurrer

From the Anglo-French word demur(r)er, dating back to 1525–35. See demur, -er³

SYNONYMS FOR demurrer

2 dissent, challenge, protest, qualm, misgiving.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR demurrer ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for demurrer

There was a demurrer to the plea, so that the legality of the writ came directly in issue.
Atrocious Judges|John Campbell, Baron Campbell
He may make what sanguine statements he pleases about Amelia's to-morrow, without fearing any demurrer from his companion.
Alas!|Rhoda Broughton
It was argued on demurrer to the declaration, and the defendant again prevailed.
The Emancipation of Massachusetts|Brooks Adams
The point of the demurrer was that the action should have been trespass vi et armis.
Discourse of the Life and Character of the Hon. Littleton Waller Tazewell|Hugh Blair Grigsby

The defendant responding, pleadings are filed--the claims of plaintiff, and answer or demurrer of defendant.
Elements of Civil Government|Alexander L. Peterman

British Dictionary definitions for demurrer

demurrer

/ (dɪˈmʌrə) /

noun

law a pleading that admits an opponent's point but denies that it is a relevant or valid argument

any objection raised

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for demurrer

demurrer

legal pleading, 1530s, from Anglo-French demurrer, Old French demorer "to delay, retard" (see demur).