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assize

noun
as·​size | \ É™-ˈsÄ«z How to pronounce assize (audio) \

Definition of assize

1a : a judicial inquest
b : an action to be decided by such an inquest, the writ for instituting it, or the verdict or finding rendered by the jury
2a : the former periodical sessions of the superior courts in English counties for trial of civil and criminal cases —usually used in plural
b : the time or place of holding such a court, the court itself, or a session of it —usually used in plural

First Known Use of assize

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for assize

Middle English assise, from Anglo-French, session, legal action, from asseer, asseoir to seat, from Vulgar Latin *assedēre, from Latin assidēre to sit beside, assist in the office of a judge, from ad- + sedēre to sit — more at sit

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More from Merriam-Webster on assize

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with assize

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Britannica English: Translation of assize for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about assize

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