capias

American

[key-pee-uhs, kap-ee-] / ˈkeɪ pi əs, ˈkæp i- /

noun

Law.

a writ commanding an officer to take a specified person into custody.

capias British

/ ˈkeɪpɪˌæs, ˈkæp- /

noun

law (formerly) a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of capias

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: literally, you are to take, subjunctive 2nd person singular of capere

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The most common use for a capias writ is as an arrest warrant for defendants in criminal cases who do not show up for their scheduled court date.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

But a capias pro fine is not necessarily an immediate writ for arrest.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

Before being able to issue a capias warrant, a judge must have compelling evidence against the defendant and be absolutely certain that the warrant is being properly applied.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

There are several situations where a capias warrant can be used by criminal or other types of courts.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 6, 2018

Si quid urbaniuscule lusum a nobis, per Musas et Charitas et omnium poetarum Numina, Oro te, ne me male capias.

From The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Sterne, Laurence

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023