right of search

noun International Law.

the privilege of a nation at war to search neutral ships on the high seas for contraband or other matter, carried in violation of neutrality, that may subject the ship to seizure.

Origin of right of search

First recorded in 1810–20

Words nearby right of search

right in the head, right inferior pulmonary vein, right lobe of liver, right lymphatic duct, right of asylum, right of search, right of way, right off, right off the bat, right on, right out

British Dictionary definitions for right of search

right of search

noun

the right of a belligerent to stop and search neutral merchant ships on the high seas in wartime