allocute
|al-lo-cute|
C2
/ˈæləˌkjuːt/
formal court address
Etymology
Etymology Information
'allocute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'allocutus,' where 'allo-' meant 'to' and 'loqui' meant 'speak.'
Historical Evolution
'allocutus' transformed into the English word 'allocute' through legal terminology usage.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to speak to,' but over time it evolved into its current legal context of addressing the court.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to formally address the court, especially in a criminal case, before sentencing.
The defendant was given the opportunity to allocute before the judge pronounced the sentence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/27 20:06