1: something written: writing <Sacred Writ> 2 a: a formal written document; specif: a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch b: an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein <~ of detinue> <~ of entry> <~ of execution> c: the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order--usu. used with run <outside the United States where ... our ~ does not run --Dean Acheson> |