arraign
UK[əˈreɪn]US[əˈreɪn]
v
to bring someone before a court of law to answer a criminal charge.
v
to call to account or criticize severely.
Etymology
the word 'arraign' entered english in the late 14th century from the anglo-french term 'araisner', meaning "to speak to, address, or accuse." this, in turn, derived from the vulgar latin 'adratiōnāre', a compound of the latin prefix 'ad-' (to) and the verb 'ratiōnāre' (to reason, discourse). the core latin root 'ratio' signifies reason, account, or calculation. thus, the literal sense of the latin ancestor was "to call to account" or "to bring to reason." this meaning evolved specifically within the legal context of the anglo-french judicial system, where it came to denote the formal procedure of calling a prisoner before a court to hear the charges and plead to them. the modern english meaning retains this precise legal definition while also extending metaphorically to the act of calling someone to account through criticism.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a single root via old french and latin. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the suspect will be arraigned in superior court next tuesday.
the opposition leader used the debate to arraign the government for its failed policies.
he was arraigned on charges of fraud and embezzlement.