Webster's English Dictionary

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writ

writ \'rit\ n [ME, fr. OE; akin to OE wri-tan to write] 1: something 
   written : WRITING {Holy Writ}  2a: a formal written document; specif : a 
   legal instrument in epist olary form issued under seal in the name of the 
   English monarch 2b: an order or mandatory process in writing issued under 
   seal 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} 2c: such a written order constituting a symbol of the power and 
   authority o f the issuer - usu. used with run {outside the United States 
   where ... our ~ does not run -Dean Acheson}