Barrister
/ˈbærɪstər/
nounIntermediateCommonLegal
Meaning
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."
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.
Practice
barrister
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written