gravamen
the part of an accusation that weighs most heavily against the accused; the substantial part of a charge or complaint.
a grievance.
Origin of gravamen
1Words Nearby gravamen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use gravamen in a sentence
This hazarding of Mrs. Owen's favor became now the gravamen of his offense, the culmination of all his offenses.
A Hoosier Chronicle | Meredith NicholsonThe gravamen of the charge is so well known to the reader that the simple account which Phineas gave of it need not be repeated.
The Prime Minister | Anthony TrollopeYou will observe, of course, that the gravamen of this consists in my having done so after the confession.
An Essay on Professional Ethics | George SharswoodA glance at his paean to Arnold Bennett at once reveals the true gravamen of his objection to Dreiser.
A Book of Prefaces | H. L. MenckenAn open pocketbook will easily secure a petition for pardon, it makes but little difference as to the "gravamen" of the crime.
The Twin Hells | John N. Reynolds
British Dictionary definitions for gravamen
/ (ɡrəˈveɪmɛn) /
law that part of an accusation weighing most heavily against an accused
law the substance or material grounds of a complaint
a rare word for grievance
Origin of gravamen
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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