Definition of writ
2a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for writ
The first known use of writ was before the 12th century
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