Also 6 arrain-, arreign(e-, 7 araygn-. [a. OF. araisnement, f. araisnier: see ARRAIGN v. and -MENT.]
1. The act of arraigning or fact of being arraigned; accusation before a tribunal, indictment, charge.
1548. Coverdale, Erasm. Par. Phil. i. 12. Ye emprisonment, fetters, arraignementes, and my other calamities.
1586. Thynne, in Animadv., Pref. 74. The books of the law … (where his arreignement is liberallie set downe).
1635. Chapman & Shirley, Chabot, IV. i. But away, Judges; and pursue the arraignment of this polluted Chancellor.
1722. De Foe, Moll Fl. (1840), 310. At the arraignment I pleaded not guilty.
1864. Ainsworth, Tower Lond., 152. The different peers appointed to hear the arraignment of the prisoners.
2. A charging with, or formal imputation of, faults; accusation, hostile criticism.
1595. Mosse (title), Arreignment and Conviction of Userie, its Iniquities and Unlawfulness.
1722. in Keble, Bp. T. Wilson, xvi. (1863), 502. One Article whereof was an arraignment of their proceedings in the case of Mr. Bridson’s suspension.
1810. Scott, Lady of L., V. vi. Wrothful at such arraignment foul, Dark lowered the clansman’s sable scowl.
