writ

¹

[rit]

noun

1. Law.

   1. a formal order under seal, issued in the name of a sovereign, government, court, or other competent authority, enjoining the officer or other person to whom it is issued or addressed to do or refrain from some specified act.

   2. (in early English law) any formal document in letter form, under seal, and in the sovereign's name.

2. something written; a writing.

   sacred writ.

writ

²

[rit]

verb

Archaic.

1. a simple past tense and past participle of write.

writ

¹

/ rɪt /

noun

1. Official name: claim. law (formerly) a document under seal, issued in the name of the Crown or a court, commanding the person to whom it is addressed to do or refrain from doing some specified act

2. archaic,  a piece or body of writing

   Holy Writ

writ

²

/ rɪt /

verb

1. archaic,  a past tense and past participle of write

2. plain to see; very obvious

Word History and Origins

Origin of writ¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old Norse rit writing, Gothic writs letter. See write

Word History and Origins

Origin of writ¹

Old English; related to Old Norse rit, Gothic writs stroke, Old High German riz (German Riss a tear). See _write

Example Sentences

This week, as he struggles vainly against the rising tide of accountability, we’ve seen writ large across the national stage to what lengths his fear will lead him.

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Even a federal writ failed to produce him.

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Capitalism writ large claimed to embrace the values of diversity, equity and inclusion, or at least it stuck those labels on boardroom doors.

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Historically, Hollywood writ large has been one of High Society’s biggest clients.

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The filing asks the state's highest court to grant a rarely used writ of quo warranto to oust Wu from his office.

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Related Words

• summons