barrister

/ˈbɛrəstər/

/ˈbærɛstə/

Other forms: barristers

The Brits and Canadians prefer to say barrister instead of "lawyer," but they mean the same thing. A barrister is a person who goes to court on behalf of the defense or the prosecution.

The image of the barrister — a lawyer who pleads cases in the higher, or what is called "superior," courts of Britain — is of a white-wigged gentleman wearing a long black gown over a dark suit. Now, everyone who is a barrister wears white wigs. Barristers are so named because they were literally "called to the bar," which means that they are able to practice law. Barristers are not the same as solicitors, who advise clients but only appear in Britain's lower courts.

Definitions of barrister

1. noun

   a British or Canadian lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law on behalf of either the defense or prosecution
   types:

   Counsel to the Crown

   a barrister selected to serve as counsel to the British ruler

   sergeant, sergeant-at-law, serjeant, serjeant-at-law

   an English barrister of the highest rank

   King's Counsel

   Counsel to the Crown when the British monarch is a king

   Queen's Counsel

   Counsel to the Crown when the British monarch is a queen

   type of:

   attorney, lawyer

   a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice