I. manˈdāməs, maanˈ- sometimes -däm- or -dam- or -dȧm- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin, we enjoin, 1st plural present indicative of mandare to enjoin — more at mandate
1.
a. : the mandate of the sovereign under early English law commanding a subject to perform some act or duty
b. : the prerogative writ issued under English law in the absence of any other legal remedy by the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in the king's name to a public officer to enforce the performance by him of some public duty
2. : the extraordinary writ issued under constitutions and regulated by statute when there is no other adequate remedy at law, in equity, or under statute by a court of superior jurisdiction to an inferior tribunal, to a corporation, or to any person commanding the performance of some clear public duty imposed by law : a statutory extension of such a remedy
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to serve or coerce with a mandamus