Definition of "peremptory" in English

adjective

1. (law) Precluding debate or expostulation; not admitting of question or appeal

2. (law) (of a date or deadline) Absolutely requiring compliance or attendance; brooking no further delay; to proceed whether a party attends or not; final.

   • As this trial has now been postponed multiple times, there will be an adjournment to April 24, peremptory on the parties.

3. Positive in opinion or judgment; absolutely certain, overconfident, unwilling to hear any debate or argument (especially in a pejorative sense); dogmatic.

4. (obsolete) Firmly determined, resolute; obstinate, stubborn.

5. Accepting no refusal or disagreement; imperious, dictatorial.

noun

1. (law) A challenge to the admission of a juror, without the challenger needing to show good cause.

   • Each side was allowed 20 peremptories, and the prosecution used 18 of its allotment.