barrister
UK: ˈbær.ɪ.stə | US: ˈbær.ɪ.stɚ
n. a qualified lawyer who represents clients in higher courts (chiefly in the UK and Commonwealth countries).
barrister = bar<legal profession> + rister (variant of "-ster," agent suffix)
- bar (from Old French barre, meaning "barrier" or "partition," later associated with the physical barrier in courtrooms separating lawyers from the public).
- -rister (a variant of the agent suffix -ster, originally denoting a person associated with an action or role, e.g., "songster").
Etymology Origin:
The term barrister emerged in late Middle English, combining bar (referring to the courtroom barrier symbolizing legal practice) and -rister, an archaic suffix for professions. Historically, only barristers were allowed to "pass the bar" to argue in higher courts, distinguishing them from solicitors. The word reflects the physical and hierarchical divide in the legal system.
The barrister presented a compelling argument to the jury.
She trained for years to become a barrister in London.
The defendant hired a renowned barrister for the appeal.
Barristers often specialize in specific areas of law.
The judge addressed the barrister directly during cross-examination.