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prorogue

[proh-rohg]
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verb (used with object), pro·rogued, pro·ro·guing.
  1. to discontinue a session of (the British Parliament or a similar body).
  2. to defer; postpone.
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Origin of prorogue

1375–1425; late Middle English proroge < Latin prōrogāre to prolong, protract, defer, literally, to ask publicly, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + rogāre to ask, propose
Related formspro·ro·ga·tion [proh-ruh-gey-shuh n] /ˌproʊ rəˈgeɪ ʃən/, nounnon·pro·ro·ga·tion, nounun·pro·rogued, adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples from the Web for prorogue

Historical Examples

  • The sovereign had never dared to prorogue them against their will, they argued.

    The Scottish Parliament

    Robert S. (Robert Sangster) Rait

  • This view of q bears upon the theory of words like prorogue, &c.

    The English Language

    Robert Gordon Latham

  • The Governor had the right to summon, to prorogue, and to dissolve the Assembly.

    Give Me Liberty

    Thomas J. Wertenbaker

  • If the assemblies took notice of it, they were to prorogue or dissolve them.

  • The King has the veto power and the power to prorogue parliament.

British Dictionary definitions for prorogue

prorogue

verb
  1. to discontinue the meetings of (a legislative body) without dissolving it
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Derived Formsprorogation (ˌprəʊrəˈɡeɪʃən), noun

Word Origin

C15: from Latin prorogāre literally: to ask publicly, from prō- in public + rogāre to ask
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 prorogue

v.

early 15c., "to prolong, extend," from Old French proroger, proroguer (14c.), from Latin prorogare, literally "to ask publicly," from pro "before" (see pro-) + rogare "to ask" (see rogation). Perhaps the original sense in Latin was "to ask for public assent to extending someone's term in office." Legislative meaning "discontinue temporarily" is attested from mid-15c. Related: Prorogation.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper