interpellation

[ in-ter-puh-ley-shuhn, in-tur-puh- ]

noun

a procedure in some legislative bodies of asking a government official to explain an act or policy, sometimes leading, in parliamentary government, to a vote of confidence or a change of government.

Origin of interpellation

1520–30; <Latin interpellātiōn- (stem of interpellātiō) interruption. See interpellate, -ion

A lounger who stood by luckily counteracted the bad effect of the interpellation.
The International Monthly, Volume 5, No. 3, March, 1852 | Various
In spite of Rouher, by a secret agreement with Ollivier the right of interpellation was restored to the Chambers.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7 | Various
"But it is a good thing to do," the old lady went on, without noticing his interpellation.
Mary Gray | Katharine Tynan
In any event, there is no debate, and in this respect the English practice differs from the French "interpellation."
The Governments of Europe | Frederic Austin Ogg
Now, however, he is menaced with an interpellation on the Austro-German understanding.
Lord Lyons: A Record of British Diplomacy, Vol. 2 of 2 | Thomas Wodehouse Legh Newton

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