[writ] n [ME, fr. OE; akin to OE writan to write] (bef. 12c) 1: something written: writing "Sacred Writ"
2. a: a formal written document; specif: 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 "~ of detinue" "~ of entry" "~ of execution" c: the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order--usu. used with run "outside the United States where ... our ~ does not run --Dean Acheson"