interlocutory
/ˌɪntərˈlɒkjʊtəri/
adjective
Origin
Latin
interloqui — to speak between
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to or occurring during the course of a legal action, especially a temporary order or decree that does not finally resolve the case.
- Relating to or involving dialogue or conversation; conversational.
Literal older meaning
Speaking between or in the middle of.
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
interlocutoire
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The term originated in the late medieval and early modern legal systems of Europe. It specifically identifies procedural rulings that address interim issues (such as evidence or injunctions) without deciding the final merits of a lawsuit, hence the 'inter-' (between) prefix.
Evolution
- Latin
interloquor
“to interrupt or speak between”
Base verb form.
- Late Latin
interlocutorius
“pertaining to interruption or dialogue”
- Middle French
interlocutoire
“interlocutory”
Used in legal contexts for decrees.
- Middle English
interlocutory
“interlocutory”
Direct adoption from French/Latin legal usage.
Connections
Word parts
inter-
prefix
between
loqu-
root
to speak
-tory
suffix
tending to, relating to
Related across languages
French
interlocutoire
interlocutory
Explore next
Related to interlocutory
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.