- (formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority they claim an office, franchise, or liberty.
- (in England and the United States) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.
- the pleading initiating a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.
- a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege
