quo warranto

[kwoh waw-ran-toh, wo-]

noun

Law.

1. (formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority they claim an office, franchise, or liberty.

2. (in England and the United States) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.

3. the pleading initiating a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.

quo warranto

/ ˈkwəʊ wɒˈræntəʊ /

noun

1. law a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin quō warrantō “by what warrant”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

from Medieval Latin: by what warrant