ACTION OF A WRIT. This phrase is used when one pleads some matter by which
he shows that the plaintiff had no cause to have the writ which he brought,
and yet he may have a writ or action for the same matter. Such a plea is
called: a plea to the action of the writ, whereas if it should appear by the
plea that the plaintiff has no cause to have action for the thing demanded,
then it is called a plea to the action. Termes de la ley.