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gravamen Definition

gra·va·men (grə vā′mən)

noun pl. -·mens or gra·vam′i·na-vam′i nə

  1. a grievance
  2. Law the essential part of a complaint or accusation

Etymology: LL, lit., a burden, trouble < L gravare, to weigh down < gravis: see grave

gravamen Law Definition

n

The substance or core argument of a legal document or position taken.