from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Significavit \Sig`ni*fi*ca"vit\, n. [L., (he) has signified,
perf. ind. of significare to signify.] (Eng. Eccl. Law)
Formerly, a writ issuing out of chancery, upon certificate
given by the ordinary, of a man's standing excommunicate by
the space of forty days, for the laying him up in prison till
he submit himself to the authority of the church. --Crabb.
[1913 Webster]
from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
SIGNIFICAVIT, eccl. law. When this word is used alone, it means the bishop's
certificate to the court of chancery, in order to obtain the writ of
excommunication; but where the words writ of significavit are used, the
meaning is the same as writ de excommunicato capiendo. 2 Burn's Eccl. L.
248; Shelf. on Mar. & Div. 502.