solicitor

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle French soliciteur. Equivalent to solicit +‎ -or.

Pronunciation

Noun

solicitor (plural solicitors)

  1. One who solicits.
    • 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones:
      “I beg, Mr Allworthy,” answered Sophia, “you will not insist on my reasons;— […] Your nephew, sir, hath many virtues—he hath great virtues, Mr Allworthy. I question not but he will do you honour in the world, and make you happy.”—“I wish I could make him so, madam,” replied Allworthy; “but that I am convinced is only in your power. It is that conviction which hath made me so earnest a solicitor in his favour.”
    • 2014, K. Stanton, Shakespeare's 'Whores': Erotics, Politics, and Poetics:
      […] sex workers are regarded as born to be punished; the solicitors of their services are not.
  2. In many common law jurisdictions, a type of lawyer whose traditional role is to offer legal services to clients apart from acting as their advocate in court. A solicitor instructs barristers to act as an advocate for their client in court, although rights of audience for solicitors vary according to jurisdiction.
  3. In English Canada and in parts of Australia, a type of lawyer who historically held the same role as above, but whose role has in modern times been merged with that of a barrister.
  4. In parts of the U.S., the chief legal officer of a city, town or other jurisdiction.
  5. (Canada, US) A person soliciting sales, especially door to door.

Usage notes

  • Jurisdictions using the common-law definition include England and Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Derived terms

Translations

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See also

Further reading

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