replevy

1 of 2

noun

re·​plevy ri-ˈple-vē How to pronounce replevy (audio)
plural replevies

replevy

2 of 2

verb

replevied; replevying

transitive verb

: to take or get back by a writ for replevin
repleviable adjective

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, perhaps borrowed, with loss of final consonant, from Anglo-French replevir "replevin," noun derivative of replevir "to vow, pledge, release by giving surety" — more at replevin entry 1

Note: Alternatively, replevy may be formed by suffix substitution from replevin (with -y entry 2). The conjecture that replevy is a noun derivative of the past participle of replevir seems less likely.

Verb

derivative of replevy entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of replevy was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near replevy

Cite this Entry

“Replevy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replevy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

replevy

1 of 2 noun
re·​plevy ri-ˈple-vē How to pronounce replevy (audio)
plural replevies

replevy

2 of 2 transitive verb
replevied; replevying
: to take or get back by replevin
repleviable adjective
Etymology

Transitive verb

probably from Anglo-French replevi, past participle of replevir to give security, from Old French, to give security for, from re- back + plevir to pledge

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