First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
arraign
verb ar·raign \ə-ˈrān\
law : to state the charges against someone who is accused of a crime in a formal procedure before a judge
Full Definition of ARRAIGN
transitive verb
1
: to call (a defendant) before a court to answer to an indictment : charge
2
: to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfection
— ar·raign·ment \-mənt\ noun
See arraign defined for English-language learners
See arraign defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ARRAIGN
Middle English arreinen, from Anglo-French areisner, arener, from a- (from Latin ad-) + raisner to address, from Vulgar Latin *rationare, from Latin ration-, ratio reason — more at reason
Other Government and Politics Terms
Learn More About ARRAIGN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up arraign? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).