gravamen

[ gruh-vey-muhn ]

noun

, Law.

, plural gra·vam·i·na [gr, uh, -, vam, -, uh, -n, uh].

1. the part of an accusation that weighs most heavily against the accused; the substantial part of a charge or complaint.
2. a grievance.

gravamen

/ ɡrəˈveɪmɛn /

noun

1. law that part of an accusation weighing most heavily against an accused
2. law the substance or material grounds of a complaint
3. a rare word for grievance

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravamen¹

1595–1605; < Late Latin: trouble, physical inconvenience, equivalent to Latin gravā ( re ) to load, weigh down (derivative of gravis heavy, burdened) + -men noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravamen¹

C17: from Late Latin: trouble, from Latin gravāre to load, from gravis heavy; see grave ²

Example Sentences

This hazarding of Mrs. Owen's favor became now the gravamen of his offense, the culmination of all his offenses.

From Project Gutenberg

The gravamen of the charge is so well known to the reader that the simple account which Phineas gave of it need not be repeated.

From Project Gutenberg

You will observe, of course, that the gravamen of this consists in my having done so after the confession.

From Project Gutenberg

A glance at his paean to Arnold Bennett at once reveals the true gravamen of his objection to Dreiser.

From Project Gutenberg

An open pocketbook will easily secure a petition for pardon, it makes but little difference as to the "gravamen" of the crime.

From Project Gutenberg