From Latin res (“thing, matter, affair”) and judicata, feminine nominative singular form of jūdicatus, past participle of judico (“judge”). Adjudication comes from the Old French ajugier meaning “to judge, pass judgment on.” An adjudication results in a formal judgment or decision given by a court. pronounce judgement upon, reward judicially,” 1700, a back-formation from adjudication, or else from Latin adiudicatus, past participle of adiudicare “grant or award as a judge” (see adjudge). Etymology. From Middle English arbitracion, borrowed from Old French arbitration, from Latin arbitratio, from arbitrari (“to arbitrate, judge”); see arbitrate.