capias

American  

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

noun

Law.

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

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capias British  

/ ˈkeɪpɪˌæs, ˈkæp- /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of capias

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

Example Sentences

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

If you miss a court date, you can expect a capias warrant to be issued in your name.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

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

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

The most common use for a capias writ is as an arrest warrant for defendants in criminal cases who do not show up for their scheduled court date.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

I entertained her very handsomely—indeed much beyond my means, for I was very heavily in debt for necessaries, and I could scarcely walk the streets without apprehensions of the grim Sergeant with his capias.

From The Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 3 Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave among the moors... by Sala, George Augustus