demurrer

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈməːrə/

noun

Law, dated
  • an objection granting the factual basis of an opponent’s point but dismissing it as irrelevant or invalid: the pleadings must be referred to because they contain the facts, as is normal in a demurrer
  • formal an objection: the headmaster was about to enter a stinging demurrer when the phone rang

Origin:

early 16th century: from Anglo-Norman French (infinitive used as a noun), from Old French demourer 'remain, stay' (see demur)