scire facias

noun

sci·​re fa·​cias ˌsī-rē-ˈfā-sh(ē-)əs 

1

: a judicial writ founded on some matter of record and requiring the party proceeded against to show cause why the record should not be enforced, annulled, or vacated

2

: a legal proceeding instituted by a scire facias

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, you should cause to know

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

scire facias

noun

sci·​re fa·​ci·​as ˈsī-rē-ˈfā-shē-əs, -shəs, -shē-ˌas; ˈskē-rā-ˈfä-kē-ˌäs 

1

: a judicial writ founded upon some matter of record and requiring the party proceeded against to show cause why the record should not be enforced (as by revival of the judgment), annulled, or vacated

2

: a legal proceeding instituted by a scire facias

Etymology

Medieval Latin, you should cause to know