demurrer

English

Etymology 1

From Anglo-Norman demurrer, form of Old French demourer (“to demur”), infinitive used as noun.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈmʌɹə/

Noun

demurrer (plural demurrers)

1. (law) A motion by a party to an action, for the immediate or summary judgment of the court on the question, whether, assuming the truth of the matter alleged by the opposite party, it is sufficient in law to sustain the action or defense, and hence whether the party resting is bound to answer or proceed further.
   • 2020, Andrew Pulver, The Guardian, 3 March:

     In a demurrer filed on 28 February to the Los Angeles county superior court, Franco’s lawyers asked that the lawsuit filed in October by Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal be dismissed, saying none of the alleged events detailed had happened, and the statute of limitations had passed for the accusations.

Derived terms

• demurrer to evidence

Etymology 2

From demur +‎ -er.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dɪməːɹə(ɹ)/

Noun

demurrer (plural demurrers)

1. Someone who demurs.

Anagrams

• murderer