v. t. [ L. peremptus, p. p. of perimere to take away entirely, to destroy; per (see Per-) + OL. emere to take. See Redeem. ] (Law) To destroy; to defeat. [ R. ] Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. peremptio: cf. F. péremption. ] (Law) A quashing; a defeating. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a peremptory manner; absolutely; positively. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being peremptory; positiveness. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. peremptorius destructive, deadly, decisive, final: cf. F. péremptorie. See Perempt. ] 1. Precluding debate or expostulation; not admitting of question or appeal; positive; absolute; decisive; conclusive; final. [ 1913 Webster ]

Think of heaven with hearty purposes and peremptory designs to get thither. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Positive in opinion or judgment; decided; dictatorial; dogmatical. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be not too positive and peremptory. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Briefly, then, for we are peremptory. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Firmly determined; unawed. [ Poetic ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Peremptory challenge (Law) See under Challenge. --
Peremptory mandamus, a final and absolute mandamus. --
Peremptory plea, a plea by a defendant tending to impeach the plaintiff's right of action; a plea in bar. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Decisive; positive; absolute; authoritative; express; arbitrary; dogmatical. [ 1913 Webster ]