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writs - 2 dictionary results

writ

1  [rit]
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–noun
1. Law.
a. a formal order under seal, issued in the name of a sovereign, government, court, or other competent authority, enjoining the officer or other person to whom it is issued or addressed to do or refrain from some specified act.
b. (in early English law) any formal document in letter form, under seal, and in the sovereign's name.
2. something written; a writing: sacred writ.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME, OE; c. ON rit writing, Goth writs letter. See write
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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writ 1   (rĭt)   
n.  
  1. Law A written order issued by a court, commanding the party to whom it is addressed to perform or cease performing a specified act.
  2. Writings: holy writ.

[Middle English, from Old English.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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