Abbaignment

In criminal law. The form or ceremony of calling a prisoner to the bar, and (in treason or felony) making him hold up his hand, or otherwise own himself to be the party charged; reading the indictment to him, and demanding of him his plea, (guilty or not guilty,) and entering it accordingly.

4 Steph. Com. 392. Brande.

Accordmg to Lord Coke, this was otherwise Gs Wea astitution, (q. v.) Co. Litt. 262 b.