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.

---

Example Sentences

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 Morton, George A. (George Alexander)

The writ of right against Lord de Mowbray proved successful in the courts, and his lordship died of the blow.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 03 — Fiction by Mee, Arthur

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 Parker, Theodore

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

It is opened by a writ of right which is bound up with the roll, but has not been printed by Mr. Maitland as it does not contain anything of special interest.

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