writ of execution

writ of execution
    n 1: a routine court order that attempts to enforce the judgment
         that has been granted to a plaintiff by authorizing a
         sheriff to carry it out [syn: {execution}, {writ of
         execution}]
    

WRIT OF EXECUTION, practice. A writ to put in force the sentence that the 
law has given: it is addressed to the Sheriff (and in the courts of the 
United States, to the marshal) commanding him, according to the nature of 
the case, either to give the plaintiff possession of lands; or to enforce 
the delivery of a chattel which was the subject of the action; or to levy 
for the plaintiff, the debt, or damager, and costs recovered; or to levy for 
the defendant his costs; and that, either upon the body of the opposite 
party, his lands, or goods, or in some cases, upon his body, land, and 
goods; the extent and manner of the execution directed, always depending 
upon the nature of the judgment. 3 Bl. Com. 413. 
     2. Writs of execution are supposed to be actually awarded by the judges 
in court; but no such award is in general, actually made. The attorney, 
after signing final judgment, sues out of the proper office a writ of 
execution, in the form to which he conceives he would be entitled upon such 
judgment as he. has entered, if such entry has been actually made; and, if 
not made, then upon such as he thinks he is entitled to enter; and he does 
this, of course, upon peril that, if he takes a wrong execution, the 
proceeding is legal and void, and the opposite party entitled to redress. 
Steph. Pl, 137, 8. See Ca. Sa.; Execution; Fi. Fa.; Haberefa. possessionem; 
Vend. Exp.