Definitions

1. verb

to transfer or assign (a person’s rights or liabilities) to another person or authority

“The company decided to attorn its rights to the new management team.”

2. verb

to acknowledge (a right or title) in a court of law

“The lawyer attorned the client’s right to sue in court.”

3. verb

to relinquish (one’s rights) to another, especially in a feudal context

“The vassal attorned his rights to the lord of the manor.”

4. noun

a feudal tenant who acknowledges his lord’s superior right and accepts his inferior status

“The attorn was required to swear loyalty to the king.”

5. noun

a lawyer or attorney

“The attorn was hired to represent the plaintiff in court.”