demurrer

¹de·mur·rer

noun \di-ˈmər-ər, -ˈmə-rər\

Definition of DEMURRER

1

: a response in a court proceeding in which the defendant does not dispute the truth of the allegation but claims it is not sufficient grounds to justify legal action

2

: objection

Origin of DEMURRER

Anglo-French demourer, verb

First Known Use: circa 1521

Rhymes with DEMURRER

conferrer, deferrer, inferrer, preferrer, referrer, transferrer

²de·mur·rer

noun \-ˈmər-ər\

Definition of DEMURRER

: one that demurs

Origin of DEMURRER

¹demur

First Known Use: 1711

demurrer

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In law, a plea in response to an allegation that admits its truth but also asserts that it is not sufficient as a cause of action. In the U.S., demurrers are no longer used in federal procedure (having been replaced by motions to dismiss or motions for more definite statement) but are still used in some states. A general demurrer challenges the sufficiency of the substance of an allegation, whereas a special demurrer challenges the structure or form of an allegation.