Main Entry: writ

Pronunciation: \ˈrit\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English wrītan to write

Date: before 12th century

1 : something written : writing <Sacred Writ>
2 a : a formal written document; specifically : a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch b : an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein <writ of detinue> <writ of entry> <writ of execution> c : the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order —usually used with run <outside the United States where…our writ does not run — Dean Acheson>