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

Mrs MacDonald was giving evidence for a second day having earlier told the jury that her husband had left her drenched in blood after attacking her in front of their children as he suspected she was having an affair.

From BBC

Mrs MacKinnon gave her evidence in a pre-recorded session which was played to the jury.

From BBC

Mr Lumley said the jury would have to consider Mr Stockton's tone, adding: "Was he more concerned at times for his own health?"

From BBC

The Blurred Lines trial was hugely consequential for the music industry, after a jury ruled that Williams and Thicke had copied the sound and "feel" of Marvin Gaye's Got To Give It Up - rather than plagiarising a specific melody.

From BBC

Brown’s call to police and his testimony helped lead a jury to convict Buck of luring young, Black men into his West Hollywood apartment for nearly a decade for “party and play” sessions that involved sex and heavy drug use.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• board
• tribunal