jury

¹

[ joor-ee ]

noun

, plural ju·ries.

1. a group of persons sworn to render a verdict or true answer on a question or questions officially submitted to them.
2. such a group selected according to law and sworn to inquire into or determine the facts concerning a cause or an accusation submitted to them and to render a verdict to a court. Compare grand jury, petty jury.
3. a group of persons chosen to adjudge prizes, awards, etc., as in a competition.

verb (used with object)

, ju·ried, ju·ry·ing.

1. to judge or evaluate by means of a jury:

   All entries will be juried by a panel of professionals.

jury

²

[ joor-ee ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. makeshift or temporary, as for an emergency:

   a jury mast.

jury

¹

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

noun

1. a group of, usually twelve, people sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the evidence upon a case presented in a court of law See also grand jury petit jury
2. a body of persons appointed to judge a competition and award prizes
3. the jury is still out informal.
   it has not yet been decided or agreed on

jury

²

/ ˈdʒʊərɪ /

adjective

1. nautical in combination makeshift

   jury-rigged

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• jury·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

1250–1300; Middle English jurie, juree, < Old French juree oath, juridical inquiry, noun use of juree, feminine past participle of jurer to swear; jurat

Origin of jury²

1610–20; compare jury mast (early 17th century), of obscure origin; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English i ( u ) were help, aid, aphetic form of Old French ajurie, derivative of aidier to aid, with -rie -ry

Word History and Origins

Origin of jury¹

C14: from Old French juree, from jurer to swear; see juror

Origin of jury²

C17: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. the jury is (still) out, a decision, determination, or opinion has yet to be rendered:

   The jury is still out on the president's performance.

Example Sentences

The jury in a civil case against Conor McGregor will continue its deliberations at the High Court in Dublin on Friday.

From BBC

A grand jury re-established the charges after a special prosecutor took on the case.

From BBC

The jury went out to consider its decision on Thursday morning and returned its guilty verdict a few hours later.

From BBC

The jury acquitted him of 12 other charges.

From Los Angeles Times

Ibarra had waived his right to a jury trial, which means his case was heard and decided by county Judge Haggard.

From BBC

Related Words

• board
• tribunal