rebuttal
(rɪˈbʌtəl)
[f. as prec. + -al1.]
Refutation, contradiction; spec. in Law (cf. rebut v. 4). Also attrib.
| 1830 S. Warren Diary Physic. I. xiv. 302 There is generally preserved an amazing consistency in the delusion, in spite of the incessant rebuttals of sensation. 1881 Times 20 June 6/1 To hear the defendant's evidence first,..reserving his right..to call evidence in rebuttal thereof. 1925 North Western Reporter CCII. 898/2 Rebuttal evidence properly is that which explains away, contradicts, or otherwise refutes the defendant's evidence ‘by any process which consists merely in diminishing or negativing the force of’ it. 1971 N.Y. Law Jrnl. 23 Nov. 18/3 Petitioner's rebuttal affidavit..was received by the court after the court's decision had been published. 1976 Billings (Montana) Gaz. 17 June 3-h/8 Smith's attorney..presented John L. Agro..as a rebuttal witness. 1976 Southern Even. Echo (Southampton) 11 Nov. 4/4 So bitter was the resentment in Southampton of the criticism contained in the late Sir John Hodsoll's report, that the Public Records Office took the unique step of including rebuttal evidence in the State Archives. |