tales

[ teylz, tey-leez ]

noun

, Law.

1. (used with a plural verb) persons chosen to serve on the jury when the original panel is insufficiently large: originally selected from among those present in court.
2. (used with a singular verb) the order or writ summoning such jurors.

tales

/ ˈteɪliːz /

noun

1. functioning as plural a group of persons summoned from among those present in court or from bystanders to fill vacancies on a jury panel
2. functioning as singular the writ summoning such jurors

Derived Forms

• ˈtalesman, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tales¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin tālēs ( dē circumstantibus ) such (of the bystanders)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tales¹

C15: from Medieval Latin phrase tālēs dē circumstantibus such men from among the bystanders, from Latin tālis such

Example Sentences

During his campaign for the White House, tales of Kennedy's personal life more often caught the news than any major policy proposals.

From BBC

In the quest for fragments of solace, it’s also perhaps understandable that when tales of bravery are found, they are celebrated unashamedly.

From BBC

That same charm is on full display in her special “Seasoned Professional,” released in February, which seamlessly ties tender musings on motherhood to cautionary tales from the lactose intolerant.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s unclear what his position at the newspaper is, but his colleagues seem impressed by him as he weaves tall tales of knowing Warren Beatty and shows off his photography.

From Los Angeles Times

They were welcomed, days later, by a Wall Street Journal article relating tales of infighting, politics and backstabbing among some of the Angel City owners that was worthy of a soap opera.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• account
• anecdote
• fable
• fiction
• legend
• myth
• narrative
• novel
• short story
• yarn