writ of assistance

noun phrase

1

: a writ issued to a law officer (such as a sheriff or marshal) for the enforcement of a court order or decree

especially : one used to enforce an order for the possession of lands

2

: a writ used especially in colonial America authorizing a law officer to search in unspecified locations for unspecified illegal goods

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

writ of assistance

see writ