replevin

[ ri-plev-in ]

noun

1. an action for the recovery of goods or chattels wrongfully taken or detained.
2. the common-law action or writ by which goods are replevied.

verb (used with object)

1. to replevy.

replevin

/ rɪˈplɛvɪn /

noun

1. the recovery of goods unlawfully taken, made subject to establishing the validity of the recovery in a legal action and returning the goods if the decision is adverse
2. (formerly) a writ of replevin

verb

1. another word for replevy

Other Words From

• unre·plevined adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of replevin¹

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French, derivative of replevir to bail out, admit to bail, Old French. See re-, pledge

Word History and Origins

Origin of replevin¹

C15: from Anglo-French, from Old French replevir to give security for, from re- + plevir to pledge

Example Sentences

One firm, Merchant & Co., which had supplied the iron for his kiln and vault, had gone so far as to secure a writ of replevin to take the iron back.

From Literature

In the new law courts—for Fort Mayne was over—the lawyers were as busy as bees, issuing writs for attainder, chancery, chevisance, disseisin, distraint, distress, embracery, exigent, fieri facias, maintenance, replevin, right of way, oyer and terminer, scot and lot, Quorum bonorum, Sic et non, Pro et contra, Jus primae noctis, and Questio quid juris?

From Literature

In this case an action to recover penalties and an action to replevin copies in possession were started independently and simultaneously, and the Circuit Court of Appeals through Judge Buffington affirmed the decision that as the penalties under the old act were restricted to copies "found in possession," the suit for penalties was premature.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith, also in the Pennsylvania circuit, it was pointed out that an action for replevin was not the proper form of suit because in such actions bonds might be given and the forfeiture of copies thus be barred; and in Hegeman v.

From Project Gutenberg

It was held, however, in the Illinois circuit in an earlier case, that a suit of replevin will lie to enforce forfeiture under the copyright act.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• get back
• reclaim
• recoup
• regain
• repair
• rescue
• restore
• resume
• retrieve
• salvage