ˈhābēəˈskȯrpəs, -biəˈ-, -kȯ(ə)p- noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, literally, you should have the body (the opening words of the writ)
1. : any of several common-law writs that have for their object the bringing of a party before a court or judge and that are issued out of court or awarded by a judge in vacation ; especially : habeas corpus ad subjiciendum
the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it — U.S. Constitution
2. : the right of a citizen to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as a protection against illegal imprisonment