n.
Pronunciation: ' rit
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old English wr ī tan 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>