replevin

noun

1. an action for the recovery of goods or chattels wrongfully taken or detained.
2. the common-law action or writ by which goods are replevied.

verb (used with object)

3. to replevy.

noun

1. the recovery of goods unlawfully taken, made subject to establishing the validity of the recovery in a legal action and returning the goods if the decision is adverse
2. (formerly) a writ of replevin

verb

3. another word for replevy

n.

“recovery of goods (by someone) taken from him, upon posting of security,” mid-15c., from Anglo-French replevin (14c.) and Anglo-Latin (13c.) replevina, from Old French replevir (v.) “to pledge, protect, warrant,” from re- “back, again” (see re-) + plevir, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to pledge (v.). The corresponding verb is replevy (1550s).