mittimus

[ mit-uh-muhs ]

noun

, Law.

, plural mit·ti·mus·es.

1. a warrant of commitment to prison.
2. a writ for removing a suit or a record from one court to another.

mittimus

/ ˈmɪtɪməs /

noun

1. law a warrant of commitment to prison or a command to a jailer directing him to hold someone in prison

Word History and Origins

Origin of mittimus¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin: we send, first word of such a writ; remit

Word History and Origins

Origin of mittimus¹

C15: from Latin: we send, the first word of such a command

Example Sentences

There was scarcely a sinewy and dangerous problem in his treatise, which he had not worked with his own limbs upon the Nottinghamshire peasantry of 1705—when he was young, lusty, and learned, and could throw a tenant, combat a paradox, quote Martial, or sign a mittimus, with any man of his own age or country.

From Project Gutenberg

"Aye," said the Justice, "he looks like a bloody-minded villain, therefore write his mittimus, and see he be well-ironed, lest he make his escape."

From Project Gutenberg

And here running against the Justice, overthrew him in his chair to the ground; so that he most loudly cried out, "Murder!" and being got up he ordered his mittimus to be made, reviling him at a desperate rate.

From Project Gutenberg

Fetch me pen and ink somebody, and I'll fill in the mittimus.

From Project Gutenberg

Make his mittimus to the Hole at Newgate.

From Project Gutenberg