Contents

English

Pronunciation

Etymology

Spelling attested since 1611 of Middle English lawiere, recorded since 1377, itself from lawe "law" + -iere.

Noun

Singular lawyer

Plural lawyers

lawyer (plural lawyers)

  1. A professional person qualified (as by a law degree and/or bar exam) and authorized to practice law, i.e. conduct lawsuits and/or give legal advice.
  2. By extension, a legal layman who argues points of law.

Synonyms

Derived terms

See also

Verb

Infinitive to lawyer

Third person singular lawyers

Simple past lawyered

Past participle lawyered

Present participle lawyering

to lawyer (third-person singular simple present lawyers, present participle lawyering, simple past and past participle lawyered)

  1. (informal) To practice law.
  2. To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.
  3. To make legalistic arguments.
  4. With "up", to acquire the services of a lawyer.
  5. (colloquial, criminal law) With "up", to exercise the right to ask for the presence of one's attorney.

Related terms

 

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