interpellation

interpellation
    n 1: (parliament) a parliamentary 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}, {interpellation}]
    

Interpellation \In`ter*pel*la"tion\, n. [L. interpellatio: cf.
   F. interpellation.]
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   1. The act of interpelling or interrupting; interruption.
      "Continual interpellations." --Bp. Hall.
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   2. The act of interposing or interceding; intercession.
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            Accepted by his interpellation and intercession.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
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   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.
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   4. A official summons or citation. --Ayliffe.
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