Definitions for "cross-examination"
The interrogating or questioning of a witness by the party against whom he has been called and examined. See Examination.
close or detailed questioning.
Each party may also question the other's witness(es). This is called a "cross-examination". Considerable more latitude is allowed in cross-examination than in questioning one's own witnesses (called an "examination-in-chief"). For example, one cannot ask leading questions of one's own witness but one can do so in cross-examination of the other party's witnesses.