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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
“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto1

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

Origin of quo warranto1

from Medieval Latin: by what warrant
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Example Sentences

Whether through existing mandamus or quo warranto actions, state and federal officials—as well as private citizens—can seek to disqualify a candidate who has engaged in insurrection from holding office.

From Salon

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

An attempt was made, however, to prevent judgment being rendered on the return of the writ of quo warranto.

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.

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

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