Interpellation

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Interpellation \In`ter*pel*la"tion\, n. [L. interpellatio: cf.
     F. interpellation.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. The act of interpelling or interrupting; interruption.
        "Continual interpellations." --Bp. Hall.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. The act of interposing or interceding; intercession.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Accepted by his interpellation and intercession.
                                                    --Jer. Taylor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. An act of interpellating, or of demanding of an officer an
        explanation of his action; imperative or peremptory
        questioning; a point raised in a debate.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A official summons or citation. --Ayliffe.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  interpellation
       n 1: (parliament) a procedure of demanding that a government
            official explain some act or policy
       2: the action of interjecting or interposing an action or
          remark that interrupts [syn: {interjection}, {interposition},
           {interpolation}]