- Arrest
- Arrest Ar*rest", n. [OE. arest, arrest, OF. arest, F.
arr[^e]t, fr. arester. See {Arrest}, v. t., {Arr?t}.]
1. The act of stopping, or restraining from further motion,
etc.; stoppage; hindrance; restraint; as, an arrest of
development.
[1913 Webster]
As the arrest of the air showeth. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
2. (Law) The taking or apprehending of a person by authority of law; legal restraint; custody. Also, a decree, mandate, or warrant. [1913 Webster]
William . . . ordered him to be put under arrest. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
[Our brother Norway] sends out arrests On Fortinbras; which he, in brief, obeys. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Note: An arrest may be made by seizing or touching the body; but it is sufficient in the party be within the power of the officer and submit to the arrest. In Admiralty law, and in old English practice, the term is applied to the seizure of property. [1913 Webster]
3. Any seizure by power, physical or moral. [1913 Webster]
The sad stories of fire from heaven, the burning of his sheep, etc., . . . were sad arrests to his troubled spirit. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
4. (Far.) A scurfiness of the back part of the hind leg of a horse; -- also named rat-tails. --White. [1913 Webster]
{Arrest of judgment} (Law), the staying or stopping of a judgment, after verdict, for legal cause. The motion for this purpose is called a motion in arrest of judgment. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.