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

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

His arraignment hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in Ventura County Superior Court.

From Los Angeles Times

His arraignment in 2021 was delayed as police discovered the suicide of a little girl in West Virginia, USA.

From BBC

Related Words

• indictment