lawyer

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 See also 1.5 Verb 1.5.1 Related terms

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ɔɪə(r)

[edit] Etymology

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Synonyms

• advocate
• attorney
• counselor

[edit] Derived terms

• lawyerly
• (by law specialism) corporate lawyer

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• solicitor
• barrister

[edit] 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.

[edit] Related terms

• lawyer up