1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Peremptory

PEREMPTORY, an adjective adapted from the Roman law term peremptorium edictum, peremptoria exceptio, a decree or plea which put an end to or quashed (Lat. perimere, to destroy) an action, hence decisive, final. A similar use is found in English law in “peremptory challenge,” a challenge to a jury allowed to a prisoner without cause shown, or “peremptory mandamus,” an absolute command. The natural repugnance to a final order has given this word in its ordinary usage a sense of objectionable and intolerant emphasis.