intr.v. dis·sent·ed, dis·sent·ing, dis·sents 1. To have or express an opinion different from a prevailing or official position; disagree. 2. Law To reach a conclusion contrary to the majority of the judges deciding a case; render a minority opinion. n. 1. Difference of opinion or feeling; disagreement. 2. The refusal to conform to the authority or doctrine of an established church; nonconformity. 3. Law A judicial opinion reaching a conclusion contrary to that reached by the majority of judges deciding a case; a minority opinion. Also called dissenting opinion. [Middle English dissenten, from Latin dissentīre : dis-, dis- + sentīre, to feel; see sent- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] dis·senting·ly adv. |
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