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>