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

See Examples For:

writ of right

While giving a judgment on a writ of right, Lord Norbury observed that it was not sufficient for a demandant to say he "claimed by descent."

From Law and Laughter by George A. (George Alexander) Morton

You remember the decision of the Circuit judge,—himself soon to be summoned by death before the Judge who is no respecter of persons,—not allowing the destined victim his last hope, 'the great writ of right.'

From The Trial of Theodore Parker For the "Misdemeanor" of a Speech in Faneuil Hall against Kidnapping, before the Circuit Court of the United States, at Boston, April 3, 1855, with the Defence by Theodore Parker

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

From Sybil, or the Two Nations by Benjamin Disraeli, 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 Paul Vinogradoff

"He might win his writ of right," said Hatton demurely, stretching out his legs and leaning back in his chair.

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