cross complaint
cross-complaint. 1. A claim asserted by a defendant against another party to the action. — Also termed (in some jurisdictions) cross-petition. [Cases: Federal Civil Procedure 786; Pleading 148, 149. C.J.S. Pleading §§ 203, 206.] 2. A claim asserted by a defendant against a person not a party to the action for a matter relating to […]