fieri facias

[fahy-uh-rahy fey-shee-as]

noun Law.

a writ commanding a sheriff to levy and sell as much of a debtor's property as is necessary to satisfy a creditor's claim against the debtor. Abbreviation: FI. FA., fi. fa.

Origin of fieri facias

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin: literally, have it made, equivalent to fierī to be made + faciās cause, 2nd singular present subjunctive of facere to bring about

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for fieri facias

fieri facias

noun

law a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of an adjudged debtor to satisfy the debt

Word Origin for fieri facias

C15: from Latin, literally: cause (it) to be done

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

Word Origin and History for fieri facias

writ concerning a sum awarded in judgment (often requiring seizure and sale of property for debt), Latin, literally "cause it to be done," the first words of the writ.