Quō'rum, n.

(89), n. [Lat. gen. pl. of qui, “of whom;” with reference to a complete body of persons, of whom those who are assembled are legally sufficient to the business of the whole.] Such a number of the officers or members of any body as is competent by law or constitution to transact business; as, a quorum of the House of Representatives; a constitutional quorum was not present.

The term arose from the words used in the commission issued to certain special justices, formerly appointed, in England, to inquire of, and determine, felonies and other misdemeanors, in which number it was directed that some particular justices, or one of them, should be always included, and that no business should be done without their presence, the commission commencing, Quorum aliquem vestrum, &c. Barrill.