writ

noun5

1. •
   A written order, issued by a court, ordering someone to do (or stop doing) something.
2. •
   (UK, Australia) A document ordering that an election be conducted.
3. •
   (UK) An order issued by the House of Lords summoning peers to the Chamber.
4. •
   Authority, power to enforce compliance.

   • We can't let them take advantage of the fact that there are so many areas of the world where no one's writ runs. — 2009
5. •
   (no longer used) That which is written; writing.

   • Then to his hands that writ he did betake, / Which he disclosing, red thus, as the paper spake. — 1590