fieri facias

American  

[fahy-uh-rahy fey-shee-as] / ˈfaɪ əˌraɪ ˈfeɪ ʃiˌæs /

noun

Law.

1. a writ commanding a sheriff to levy and sell as much of a debtor's property as is necessary to satisfy a creditor's claim against the debtor. FI. FA., fi. fa.

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fieri facias British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌraɪ ˈfeɪʃɪəs /

noun

1. law a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of an adjudged debtor to satisfy the debt

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Etymology

Origin of fieri facias

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin: literally, have it made, equivalent to fierī to be made + faciās cause, 2nd-person singular present subjunctive of facere to bring about

Example Sentences

A red-faced man is said to have been served with a writ of fieri facias.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

Two years subsequently it was necessary to make a new act to allow all technical terms to continue Latin, which were too ridiculous to be translated, such as nisi prius, fieri facias, habeas corpus.

From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Disraeli, Isaac

The form of the writ of fieri facias requires the sheriff to make a return to the writ.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various

This dear old writ, the fieri facias, affectionately alluded to as the fi. fa. by attorneys, bailiffs and others who have the handling of the fellow, is still with us.

From The Law and the Poor by Parry, Edward Abbott

By a writ of fieri facias the sheriff could be commanded to seize the goods and chattels of the debtor in satisfaction of the debt.

From The Law and the Poor by Parry, Edward Abbott