Rejoinder (-dr), n.
Etymology: [From F. rejoindre, inf., to join again. See Rejoin.]
1. An answer to a reply; or, in general, an answer or reply.
2. (Law)
The defendant's answer to the plaintiff's replication.
Syn. -- Reply; ansswer; replication. See Reply.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Rejoinder, v. i.
To make a rejoinder. [Archaic]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for rejoinder; he lists it under answer.
Where he writes about it:
A rejoinder is strictly an answer to a reply, tho often used in the general sense of answer, but always with the implication of something more or less controversial or opposed, tho lacking the conclusiveness implied in answer; an answer, in the full sense, to a charge, an argument, or an objection is adequate, and finally refutes and disposes of it; a reply or rejoinder may be quite inadequate, so that one may say, "This reply is not an answer;" "I am ready with an answer" means far more than "I am ready with a reply." A response is accordant or harmonious, designed or adapted to carry on the thought of the words that called it forth, as the responses in a liturgical service, or to meet the wish of him who seeks it; as, the appeal for aid met a prompt and hearty response. — from answer