quo warranto
[ kwoh waw-ran-toh, wo- ]
/ kwoʊ wɔˈræn toʊ, wɒ- /
noun Law.
(formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority he or she claims an office, franchise, or liberty.
(in England and the U.S.) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.
the pleading initiating such a proceeding.
Origin of quo warranto
1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin
quō warrantō by what warrant
Words nearby quo warranto
qungur,
quo,
quo animo?,
quo jure?,
quo vadis,
quo warranto,
quoad hoc,
quod,
quod erat demonstrandum,
quod erat faciendum,
quod vide
British Dictionary definitions for quo warranto
quo warranto
/ (ˈkwəʊ wɒˈræntəʊ) /
noun
law
a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege
Word Origin for quo warranto
from Medieval Latin: by what warrant