capias

American

[key-pee-uhs, kap-ee-] / ˈkeɪ pi əs, ˈkæp i- /

noun

Law.

a writ commanding an officer to take a specified person into custody.

capias British

/ ˈkeɪpɪˌæs, ˈkæp- /

noun

law (formerly) a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of capias

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: literally, you are to take, subjunctive 2nd person singular of capere

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is important to note that a capias warrant is only used in an arrest situation.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

Before being able to issue a capias warrant, a judge must have compelling evidence against the defendant and be absolutely certain that the warrant is being properly applied.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

If that restitution is not paid, then a capias pro fine warrant is issued for the person who was supposed to make the payment.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

A capias warrant is issued when someone needs to be detained to ensure that they make a scheduled court appearance.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

"It is important that he should be arrested on this capias," said Bagsley.

From The Frontiersmen by Aimard, Gustave

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023