writ of right

American  

noun

1. English Law. a writ directed to a person who presided over a feudal court, directing him to render justice between his vassals in a dispute as to ownership of land: usually led to a trial in a royal court if feudal ownership was involved.

2. Law. a common-law writ to restore land to its rightful owner or tenants.

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Example Sentences

It is twenty-five years come Martinmas since he brought his writ of right; and though baffled, he was not beaten.

From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

Bracton says, that in such cases the usual assizes and actions do not lie, and the 'little writ of right close' must be used 'according to the custom of the manor.'

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul

If somebody is bringing a royal close writ of right directed to the bailiffs of the manor it cannot be opened unless in full court.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul

I did not ask his Lordship how the writ of right went on.

From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield

They say the writ of right killed poor Lord de Mowbray, but to my mind he never recovered the burning of the Castle.

From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield