Barrister
/ˈbærɪstər/
nounIntermediate📊CommonLegal
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
A lawyer, typically in the UK, who has the right to plead in higher courts.
/ˈbærɪstər/
nounneutralIntermediate
Legal
A lawyer who can plead in higher courts.
A renowned barrister defended the accused.
💡 Simply: A type of lawyer who speaks in court.
More Examples
2
She hired a senior barrister to handle her case.
How It's Used
Legal
"The barrister presented a compelling argument to the judge."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Old French *barrister, from barre 'bar'. Originally referring to those who pleaded at the bar of a court.
The term evolved from the practice of lawyers pleading from behind a bar in court.
Memory tip
Think 'bar' as in the bar of the court, where barristers plead.
Word Origin
LanguageOld French
Original meaning
"From barre 'bar'"
senior barristerleading barristerdefence barristerprosecution barrister
Common misspellings
barrister
Practice
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written