detinue

[ det-n-oo, -yoo ]

noun

, Law.

1. an old commonlaw form of action to recover possession of personal property wrongfully detained.

detinue

/ ˈdɛtɪˌnjuː /

noun

1. law an action brought by a plaintiff to recover goods wrongfully detained

Word History and Origins

Origin of detinue¹

1425–75; late Middle English detenu < Anglo-French detenue, detinue detention, originally feminine past participle of detenir to detain

Word History and Origins

Origin of detinue¹

C15: from Old French detenue, from detenir to detain

Example Sentences

The use of the action of trover gradually supplants the action of detinue, which involves compurgation.

From Project Gutenberg

Detinue, in law, the form of action whereby a plaintiff seeks to recover a chattel personal unlawfully detained.

From Project Gutenberg

In the manor courts, actions of debt, detinue, and covenant were frequent.

From Project Gutenberg

Detinue, the primitive remedy, retained that mark of primitive procedure.

From Project Gutenberg