petit jury

[ pet-ee ]

noun

, Law.

1. petty jury.

petit jury

noun

1. a jury of 12 persons empanelled to determine the facts of a case and decide the issue pursuant to the direction of the court on points of law Also calledpetty jury Compare grand jury

Derived Forms

• petit juror, noun

Other Words From

• petit juror noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petit jury¹

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

More than that, he was thrusting evidence on us—evidence which would assure his indictment and trial before a petit jury.

From Project Gutenberg

At an adjourned meeting held Jan. 20, 1858, the commissioners drew a grand and petit jury.

From Project Gutenberg

If the cause comes to trial, the petit jury may exercise a dispensing power by means of a general verdict.

From Project Gutenberg

The regular petit jury will then decide only upon the facts constituting the crime.

From Project Gutenberg

The remaining names were placed in another box marked "The petit-jury box."

From Project Gutenberg