indictment Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense
    bill of indictment.
  2. noun an accusation of wrongdoing
    • the book is an indictment of modern philosophy

WordNet

In*dict"ment noun
Etymology
Cf. Inditement.
Definitions
  1. The act of indicting, or the state of being indicted.
  2. (Law) The formal statement of an offense, as framed by the prosecuting authority of the State, and found by the grand jury. ✍ To the validity of an indictment a finding by the grand jury is essential, while an information rests only on presentation by the prosecuting authority.
  3. An accusation in general; a formal accusation.

Webster 1913