indictment

n. [ Cf. Inditement. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act of indicting, or the state of being indicted. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) The formal statement of an offense, as framed by the prosecuting authority of the State, and found by the grand jury. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An accusation in general; a formal accusation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Bill of indictment. See under Bill. [ 1913 Webster ]