Bill of Rights
noun
a formal statement of the fundamental rights of the people of the United States, incorporated in the Constitution as Amendments 1–10, and in all state constitutions.
(sometimes lowercase)
a similar statement of the fundamental rights of the people of any nation.
(sometimes lowercase)
a statement of the rights belonging to or sought by any group: Our student bill of rights would include the right to dress as we please.
an English statute of 1689 confirming, with minor changes, the Declaration of Rights, declaring the rights and liberties of the subjects and settling the succession in William III and Mary II.
Example sentences from the Web for bill of rights
It's been brewing for seventy-five years—ever since the Bill-of-Rights day.
The Long Roll |Mary Johnston
British Dictionary definitions for bill of rights
Bill of Rights
noun
an English statute of 1689 guaranteeing the rights and liberty of the individual subject
the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, added in 1791, which guarantee the liberty of the individual
(in Canada) a statement of basic human rights and freedoms enacted by Parliament in 1960
(usually not capitals)
any charter or summary of basic human rights
Cultural definitions for bill of rights
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Among other provisions, they protect the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, and the press (see First Amendment) (see also First Amendment); restrict governmental rights of search and seizure; and list several rights of persons accused of crimes (see Fifth Amendment).
notes for Bill of Rights
After the new Constitution was submitted to the states in 1787, several approved it only after being assured that it would have a bill of rights attached to it. Accordingly, these amendments were passed by the first
Congress under the Constitution and were ratified by the states in 1791.