demurrer

[dih-mur-er]

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noun

a person who demurs; objector.

Origin of demurrer

demur + -er¹

demurrer

[dih-mur-er]

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

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2. dissent, challenge, protest, qualm, misgiving.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for demurrer

claim, belief, thesis, idea, assertion, plea, hypothesis, allegation, opinion, position, explanation, discussion, contestation, rumpus, deposition, profession, charge, advancement, asseveration, affirmation

Examples from the Web for demurrer

Historical Examples of demurrer

He began by a demurrer, speaking archly with subtle shades of expression.
The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete
Emile Zola
Thus might a divine say: Will he arrest the judgments of God by a demurrer?
The Collected Writing of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. II
Thomas De Quincey
That is to say, it is a case that ought to be beaten on demurrer.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 8 (of 12)
Robert G. Ingersoll
Nor can the court assume, as admitted facts, the averments of the plea from the confession of the demurrer.
Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John F.A. Sandford
Benjamin C. Howard
To this plea in abatement, a demurrer having been interposed on behalf of the plaintiff, it was sustained by the court.
Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John F.A. Sandford
Benjamin C. Howard

British Dictionary definitions for demurrer

demurrer

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

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