writ

Definition

A written order, issued by a court, ordering someone to do (or stop doing) something.

Etymology

From Middle English writ, from Old English writ and ġewrit (“writing”), from Proto-Germanic *writą (“fissure, writing”), from Proto-Indo-European *wrey-, *wrī- (“to scratch, carve, ingrave”). Cognate with Scots writ (“writ, writing, handwriting”), Icelandic rit (“writing, writ, literary work, publication”).

Example Sentences

• "We can't let them take advantage of the fact that there are so many areas of the world where no one's writ runs."
• "Within Lololand, of course, no Chinese writ runs, no Chinese magistrate holds sway, and the people, more or less divided among themselves, are under the government of their tribal chiefs."
• "Then to his hands that writ he did betake, / Which he disclosing, red thus, as the paper spake."