In the language of pleading, a traverse signifies a denial. Thus, where a defendant denies any material allegation of fact in the plaintiff’s declaration , he is said to traverse it. and the plea itself is thence frequently termed a “traverse.” Brown. In criminal practice. To put off or delay the trial of an indictment till a succeeding term. More properly, to deny or take Issue upon an indictment . 4 Bl. Comm. 351.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
