arraignment
(əˈreɪnmənt)
Also 6 arrain-, arreign(e-, 7 araygn-.
[a. OF. araisnement, f. araisnier: see arraign v. and -ment.]
1. The act of arraigning or fact of being arraigned; accusation before a tribunal, indictment, charge.
| 1548 Coverdale Erasm. Par. Phil. i. 12 Y⊇ emprisonment, fetters, arraignementes, and my other calamities. 1586 Thynne in Animadv. Pref. 74 The books of the law..(where his arreignement is liberallie set downe). 1635 Chapman & Shirley Chabot iv. i, But away, Judges; and pursue the arraignment Of this polluted Chancellor. 1722 De Foe Moll Fl. (1840) 310 At the arraignment I pleaded not guilty. 1864 Ainsworth Tower Lond. 152 The different peers appointed to hear the arraignment of the prisoners. |
2. A charging with, or formal imputation of, faults; accusation, hostile criticism.
| 1595 M. Mosse (title) Arreignment and Conviction of Userie, its Iniquities and Unlawfulness. 1722 in Keble Bp. T. Wilson xvi. (1863) 502 One Article whereof was an arraignment of their proceedings in the case of Mr. Bridson's suspension. 1810 Scott Lady of L. v. vi, Wrothful at such arraignment foul, Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. |