solicitor

[ suh-lis-i-ter ]

noun

1. a person who solicits.
2. a person whose business it is to solicit business, trade, etc.
3. an officer having charge of the legal business of a city, town, etc.
4. (in England and Wales) a member of that branch of the legal profession whose services consist of advising clients, representing them before the lower courts, and preparing cases for barristers to try in the higher courts. Compare barrister ( def 1 ).

   Synonyms: counselor, attorney, lawyer

solicitor

/ səˈlɪsɪtə /

noun

1. (in Britain) a lawyer who advises clients on matters of law, draws up legal documents, prepares cases for barristers, etc, and who may represent clients in certain courts Compare barrister
2. (in the US) an officer responsible for the legal affairs of a town, city, etc
3. a person who solicits

Derived Forms

• soˈlicitorship, noun

Other Words From

• so·lici·tor·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of solicitor¹

1375–1425; late Middle English solicitour < Anglo-French; Middle French soliciteur. See solicit, -or ²

Example Sentences

He says he’s working extra hours and has had to borrow £30,000 to pay the increased charges and to hire solicitors.

From BBC

Mr Headley, who was accompanied by his solicitor, was not asked to enter pleas on the two charges against him.

From BBC

The McGreanery family solicitor Gary Duffy said the settlement announced on Thursday was “long overdue” but also a “welcome endorsement of the family’s campaign to uncover the truth”.

From BBC

The country's solicitor general, Jorge Messias, condemned what he said was a deliberate attack and vowed a full investigation into the blasts would be launched.

From BBC

For next 40 years, he worked there, except for a four-year stint as U.S. solicitor general representing the Bush administration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barrister
• counselor