quo warranto

American  

[kwoh waw-ran-toh, wo-] / kwoʊ wɔˈræn toʊ, wɒ- /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of quo warranto

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

Example Sentences

The filing asks the state's highest court to grant a rarely used writ of quo warranto to oust Wu from his office.

From BBC

Prosecutors sought permission to sue Calderon in a process known as a quo warranto.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps some expected this; but there came again, instead, the evil genius of the colony, Edward Randolph, bringing from the king the dreaded quo warranto.

From Project Gutenberg

The “quo warranto” rolls show that a market every Wednesday and a fair on St Augustine’s day were granted to Simon son of Walter by King John.

From Project Gutenberg

After the adjournment of the legislature, the governor reappointed McClernand, who sued out a writ of quo warranto to oust Field.

From Project Gutenberg