elegit

Elegit \E*le"git\, n. [L., he has chosen, fr. eligere to choose.
   See {Elect}.] (Law)
   A judicial writ of execution, by which a defendant's goods
   are appraised and delivered to the plaintiff, and, if not
   sufficient to satisfy the debt, all of his lands are
   delivered, to be held till the debt is paid by the rents and
   profits, or until the defendant's interest has expired.
   [1913 Webster]
    

ELEGIT, Eng. practice, remedies. A writ of execution directed to the 
sheriff, commanding him to make delivery of a moiety of the party's land, 
and all his goods, beasts of the plough only excepted. 
     2. The sheriff, on the receipt of the writ, holds an inquest to 
ascertain the value of the lands and goods he has seized, and then they are 
delivered to the plaintiff, who retains them until the whole debt and 
damages have been paid and satisfied; during that term he is called tenant 
by elegit. Co. Litt. 289. Vide Pow. Mortg. Index, h.t.; Wats. Sher. 206. As 
to the law of the several states on the subject. of seizing land and 
extending it. see 1 Hill. Ab. 556-6.