withernam

noun

with·​er·​nam

ˈwit͟hə(r)ˌnäm

plural -s

1

: the action of taking by way of reprisal : a second or reciprocal distress of other goods in lieu of goods taken by a first distress and eloigned

2

: a writ used in connection with the action of replevin that issues to a defendant in replevin when the defendant has obtained judgment for a return of the chattels replevied and fails to obtain them on the writ of return and that authorizes the taking of other goods of the same value

called also capias in withernam, writ of reprisal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Old English wither against + nām seizure, from niman to take

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!