arraignment

[ uh-reyn-muhnt ]

noun

1. Law. an act or instance of bringing someone before a criminal court to hear an indictment, or formal charge, against them and to enter a plea in response to that charge:

   At her arraignment Crane pleaded not guilty, and the trial was set for May 21.

2. a calling into question or a finding fault, especially with respect to the value or virtue of something; critical examination:

   In his arraignment of the basic weaknesses in the nation's social fabric, he drew special attention to racism.

Other Words From

• non·ar·raign·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arraignment¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English arainement, from Middle French araisnement; equivalent to arraign + -ment

Example Sentences

His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 2.

From Los Angeles Times

Hue’s arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Tanjapatkul is next due in court for his arraignment Nov. 18.

From Los Angeles Times

Torres was in court Wednesday for an arraignment but did not enter a plea, according the D.A.’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

I was among the press pack gathered outside a Manhattan court to witness Trump's arraignment in his criminal hush-money trial in April.

From BBC

Related Words

• indictment