writ
A formal paper from a court that tells a person or group to do something or not do something.
A formal written order issued in the name of a court or other authority, requiring a person or organization to do something or to stop doing something.
The place, people, or situation where a person or group has real power and their rules are followed.
The range or area in which someone’s or some institution’s authority, rules, or decisions are recognized and can be enforced.
An old form of "wrote" or "written" that is now only used in a few special phrases.
An old or literary past tense or past participle form of "write," now surviving mainly in fixed expressions.
Holy religious texts, especially the Bible.
Sacred religious writings, especially the Bible, often referred to with reverence.
An old word meaning a piece of writing or a written paper.
An old word for a piece of writing or a written document in general, not limited to legal use.
- Base: writ
- Plural: writs
Holy Writ
1sacred religious writings, esp. Bible
A formal way to say holy religious texts, especially the Bible; sometimes used jokingly or strongly about other texts people follow very strictly.
- To him, the manual is Holy Writ and cannot be questioned.
- She studies Holy Writ every day before dawn.
- Some fans treat the original book as Holy Writ and reject any changes in the movie.
writ of certiorari
1order to review lower court case
A court paper from a higher court, saying it will look again at a case from a lower court.
- The Supreme Court denied the petition for a writ of certiorari.
- Lawyers filed a writ of certiorari to challenge the appeals court’s ruling.
- Only a small number of requests for writs of certiorari are granted each year.
writ of execution
1order to seize property for debt
A court paper that lets officials take or sell a person’s property to pay money ordered by the court.
- The creditor obtained a writ of execution against the company’s assets.
- A writ of execution was served on his bank accounts.
- Without a writ of execution, the judgment cannot be enforced.
writ of habeas corpus
1order to bring prisoner to court
A special court paper that tells the authorities to bring a prisoner to a judge, so the judge can decide if keeping the person in jail is legal.
- Her lawyer filed a writ of habeas corpus challenging the legality of her arrest.
- The court granted a writ of habeas corpus and ordered his immediate release.
- Many human rights cases involve petitions for writs of habeas corpus.
writ of mandamus
1order forcing official to act
A court paper that orders a government worker or office to do something they must do by law but have not done.
- The organization sought a writ of mandamus to force the agency to release the documents.
- A writ of mandamus was issued compelling the minister to make a decision.
- The court refused to grant a writ of mandamus in this case.
writ large
1Expressed more obviously or clearly
Shown more clearly or on a bigger scale.
- The nation's problems are writ large in its capital city.
- His personality is writ large in his art.
writ large
2clearly and obviously shown
Used to say that something is like another thing, but more clear, strong, or easy to see.
- The film is his life story writ large.
- Her disappointment was writ large across her face.
- The town’s economic problems are the country’s issues writ large.