Mainprise
Main"prise\, n. [F. main hand + prise a taking, fr. prendre, p. p. pris to take, fr. L. prehendere, prehensum.] (Law) (a) A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him to take sureties, called mainpernors, for the prisoner's appearance, and to let him go at large. This writ is now obsolete. --Wharton. (b) Deliverance of a prisoner on security for his appearance at a day.Mainprise
Main"prise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mainprised; p. pr. & vb. n. Mainprising.] (Law) To suffer to go at large, on his finding sureties, or mainpernors, for his appearance at a day; -- said of a prisoner.