ˈwithə(r)ˌnäm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old English wither against + nām seizure, from niman to take — more at with , nimble
1. : the action of taking by way of reprisal : a second or reciprocal distress of other goods in lieu of goods taken by a first distress and eloigned
2. : a writ used in connection with the action of replevin that issues to a defendant in replevin when he has obtained judgment for a return of the chattels replevied and fails to obtain them on the writ of return and that authorizes the taking of other goods of the same value — called also capias in withernam, writ of reprisal