Definitions for nisi-prius

• Definition
• Anagrams (143)

nisi-prius ni·si pri·us

Spelling: [nahy-sahy prahy-uh s, nee-see Nisi-Prius is a 10 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 4 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 5 points.

You can make 143 anagrams from letters in nisi-prius (-iiinprssu).

Definitions for nisi-prius

noun

1. Also called nisi prius court. a trial court for the hearing of civil cases before a judge and jury.
2. British Law. a writ commanding a sheriff of a county to summon a jury and bring it to the court in Westminster on a certain day, unless the judges of assizes previously came to that county. the clause with the words “nisi prius” introducing this writ. the system of judicial circuits to which judges are assigned for local trials of civil and criminal cases.

Origin of nisi-prius

1300-50; Middle English Latin: literally, unless previously, unless before

Examples for nisi-prius

Cf. Sir Francis Bacon: non accipit indoctus verba scientiae, nisi prius ea dixeris quae versantur in corde ejus.

What could such a man know of nisi prius trials, of cross-examining or handling witnesses?

He was great both at nisi prius and before an appellate tribunal.

In London and Middlesex, instead of circuits, courts of nisi prius are held.

And without waiting for an answer he turned away, and hastened back to his own work in the nisi prius Court.

The Chief Justice sits at nisi prius more often than upon appeal.

He was great at nisi prius and before an appellate tribunal.

In August, 1837, the case was brought down to trial at nisi prius, and a verdict entered for plaintiff at one-shilling damages.

The nisi prius clause, however, was not then introduced for the first time.

At nisi prius, he turned his mingled talent for abuse and drollery to great effect.