1. Hist. A public proclamation or summons. • Bans dealt with a variety of matters, such as the calling to arms of a lord’s vassals or the proclamation that an offender was henceforth to be considered an outlaw.
2. Eccles. law. An authoritative ecclesiastical prohibition; an interdict or excommunication.
3. BANNS OF MATRIMONY. — Also spelled bann.
ban, vb. To prohibit, esp. by legal means.