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.

There are several situations where a capias warrant can be used by criminal or other types of courts.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

One of the most common types of warrants is the capias warrant.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

In various capacities, capias warrants can also be used in family and civil courts to bring in people who were supposed to make a scheduled court date.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

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

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

"What!" exclaimed Bagsley, "have they also lodged a capias against him!"

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