attorney

[ uh-tur-nee ]

noun

, plural at·tor·neys.

1. a lawyer; attorney-at-law.
2. an attorney-in-fact; agent.

attorney

/ əˈtɜːnɪ /

noun

1. a person legally appointed or empowered to act for another
2. a lawyer qualified to represent clients in legal proceedings
3. a solicitor

Derived Forms

• atˈtorneyˌship, noun

Other Words From

• at·torney·ship noun
• subat·torney noun plural subattorneys
• subat·torney·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorney¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French attourne literally, “(one who is) turned to,” i.e., “(one who is) appointed,” past participle of attourner “to attorn ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorney¹

C14: from Old French atourné, from atourner to direct to; see attorn

Example Sentences

Gaetz, he claimed, was an “accomplished attorney,” despite his thin legal resume, and “a reformer in his mind and heart.”

From Salon

A short time later, Trump nominated Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as attorney general.

From Salon

A tenant rights attorney and political novice, Jurado also overcame a self-inflicted wound after being caught on a recording saying “F— the police.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Greg Bonett, an attorney with pro bono law firm Public Counsel, said the city’s current proposals create a risk that could happen.

From Los Angeles Times

But some Republicans already have questioned at least one Trump choice, notably Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, the pick for attorney general, the top prosecutor in the US.

From BBC