Elegit
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ELEGIT, Eng. practice, remedies. A writ of execution directed to the
sheriff, commanding him to make delivery of a moiety of the party's land,
and all his goods, beasts of the plough only excepted.
2. The sheriff, on the receipt of the writ, holds an inquest to
ascertain the value of the lands and goods he has seized, and then they are
delivered to the plaintiff, who retains them until the whole debt and
damages have been paid and satisfied; during that term he is called tenant
by elegit. Co. Litt. 289. Vide Pow. Mortg. Index, h.t.; Wats. Sher. 206. As
to the law of the several states on the subject. of seizing land and
extending it. see 1 Hill. Ab. 556-6.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.