writ

¹ American  

[rit] / rɪt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a formal order under seal, issued in the name of a sovereign, government, court, or other competent authority, enjoining the officer or other person to whom it is issued or addressed to do or refrain from some specified act.

   2. (in early English law) any formal document in letter form, under seal, and in the sovereign's name.

2. something written; a writing.

   sacred writ.

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writ ² American  

[rit] / rɪt /

verb

Archaic.

1. a simple past tense and past participle of write.

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writ ¹ British  

/ rɪt /

noun

1. Official name: claim.  law (formerly) a document under seal, issued in the name of the Crown or a court, commanding the person to whom it is addressed to do or refrain from doing some specified act

2. archaic a piece or body of writing

   Holy Writ

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writ ² British  

/ rɪt /

verb

1. archaic a past tense and past participle of write

2. plain to see; very obvious

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Etymology

Origin of writ

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old Norse rit writing, Gothic writs letter. See write

Example Sentences

“Safeguarding the well-being of one institution at the expense of the future of higher education writ large doesn’t work,” said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The high-profile clashes between the city and the legislature are to some extent conflicts between urban and rural values writ large, since many Republican legislators represent the conservative Tennessee countryside.

From New York Times

The grievances have broadened from anger over the single law to the government’s method of ruling — and the Constitution that permits it — writ large.

From New York Times

"It is fair to say that the Federal Reserve writ large is not particularly transparent about when items are escalated or handled by the board and the board staff," said Hill.

From Reuters

Once approved in parliament, it will be sent to the governor general, the representative of head of state King Charles, who issues a writ for a referendum.

From Reuters

Related Words

• summons