from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
WRIT DE HOMINE RELEGIANDO, practice. A writ which lies to replevy a man out
of prison, or out of the custody of any private person, in the same manner
in which cattle taken in distress may be replevied, upon giving security to
the sheriff that the man shall be forthcoming to answer to any charge
against him.
2. This writ is almost entirely superseded by the more effectual writ
of habeas corpus. 3 Bl. Com. 129; Com. Dig. Imprisonment, L 4; Lord Raym.
613; F. N. B. 66; 1 Atk. 633; 14 Vin. Ab. 305; Dane's Ab. h.t.; 7 Com. Dig.
271; 5 Binn. R. 304; 1 John. R. 23; 14 John. R. 263 2 Cain. C. Err. 322.