replevin

/ɹɪˈplɛvɪn/

replevin

English Noun

Definition

An action to recover personal property unlawfully taken, especially that seized by way of distraint; the writ or procedure of such action.

Etymology

Anglo-Norman, from Old French replevir (“recover”), from re- + plevir (apparently from a Germanic word which was also the source of English pledge).