n. 1. A warning or intimation of something imminent, especially of impending danger. 2. Cautionary advice or counsel; an admonition. 3. A formal order from a bishop or ecclesiastical court to refrain from a specified offense. 4. A summons, especially in admiralty court. [Middle English monicioun, from Old French monicion, from Latin monitiō, monitiōn-, from monitus, past participle of monēre, to warn; see men-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.