Contents

English

Pronunciation

Etymology

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

Noun

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

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

Anagrams

 

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