ˈrit, usu -id.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old Norse rit writing, writ, Gothic writs stroke, letter — more at write
1. : something that is written : writing or a written document — used especially in the phrases holy writ and 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 from Anglo-Saxon times to declare his grants, wishes, and commands — see original writ
b. : an order or mandatory process in writing issued under seal in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer from the proper authority commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein: as
(1) : one used in a particular legal action
writ of account
writ of aiel
writ of covenant
writ of detinue
(2) : one used to enforce a right
writ of dower
writ of entry
writ of possession
(3) : one used to convey a command or put something (as a court decision) in force
writ of execution
— see writ of prohibition
(4) : one used to redress a wrong
writ of spoliation
c. : such a written order held to constitute a symbol of the power and authority of the issuer
the mountain ranges … halted the reach of the royal writ and the king's command — W.C.Dickinson
— usually used with run
northern Zululand was a sort of Alsatia where the Queen's writ did not run — Deneys Reitz
peoples outside the United States where our laws do not govern and our writ does not run — Dean Acheson
d. : a document issued usually by the clerk of the crown in chancery directing the returning officer of a British parliamentary constituency to hold an election for a member of the House of Commons