Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Law) A formal written order issued by a court or other legal authority: A "writ" is a legal document commanding a specific action, such as appearing in court, releasing a prisoner, or seizing property. It is an authoritative mandate from a court.

Usage

• The primary use of "writ" is in legal contexts. It refers to the court's official written command.
• It is often used in fixed phrases naming specific types of court orders (e.g., writ of habeas corpus).
• In historical or literary contexts, it can refer more broadly to something written, but this usage is now archaic.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus, demanding the prisoner be brought before the court.
  • They obtained a writ to prevent the construction from proceeding.
  • The sheriff served the writ on the defendant.

Advanced Usage

• "Writ large": Used figuratively to mean something is clearly evident or in an emphasized form.
  • The city's struggle with inequality is the nation's problem writ large.
• "Holy Writ" or "Sacred Writ": Refers to the scriptures of a religion, especially the Bible, treated as authoritative text.
  • He quoted from Holy Writ to support his argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Writ of certiorari: A writ from a higher court asking a lower court for the record of a case.
• Writ of mandamus: A court order compelling a government official to properly fulfill their duties.
• Writ of execution: A court order authorizing the enforcement of a judgment, often by seizing property.
• Writ of summons: A document that begins a civil lawsuit and summons the defendant to court.
• Writer (n): A person who writes. (Note: This is a related agent noun, not a variant of the legal term "writ").

Synonyms

• Court order: A direction issued by a court.
• Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.
• Summons: A writ ordering someone to appear in court.
• Mandate: An official command or authorization.

Related Phrases

• To serve a writ: To deliver a writ officially to the person it concerns.
  • The process server will serve the writ tomorrow.
• To issue a writ: For a court or judge to formally produce and authorize a writ.
  • The court will issue a writ if the evidence supports it.

Idioms

• Writ large: (As mentioned in Advanced Usage) Clearly visible or in a magnified form.
  • His fear was writ large on his face.
• Holy/Sacred Writ: (As mentioned in Advanced Usage) Authoritative religious texts; can be used figuratively for any text or principle treated as unquestionably authoritative.
  • For many scientists, the data is their sacred writ.

Noun

1. (law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer