Arraignment Meaning
/əˈɹeɪnmənt/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe formal charging of a defendant with an offense; in many jurisdictions it includes their response in the form of a plea, typically as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Sentence Examples
Today's arraignment hearing offers the defendant his first opportunity to state his case personally.
I've arranged for your arraignment in one hour.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After his arrest for the robbery, the suspect's ____ in court is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The suspect's formal ____ will take place in the court tomorrow morning.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English arraign Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥tom Proto-Italic *-mentom Latin -mentum Old French -mentbor. Middle English -ment English -ment English arraignment From arraign + -ment.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This process, Mr. Rothfeld said, could be interrupted at any moment if prosecutors in Los Angeles successfully extradite him for an arraignment on the sexual assault charges there."
— 2020 March 11, Jan Ransom, “Harvey Weinstein’s Stunning Downfall: 23 Years in Prison”, in New York Times:
"[…]— the indictment will remain sealed until his expected arraignment on Tuesday, when the charges will be formally revealed."
— 2023 March 30, William K. Rashbaum, “This is what will happen when Trump is arrested in the coming days.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
After his arrest for the robbery, the suspect's ____ in court is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The suspect's formal ____ will take place in the court tomorrow morning.