drop the writ

English

Etymology

Compression of draw up the writ.[1][2]

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Verb

drop the writ (third-person singular simple present drops the writ, present participle dropping the writ, simple past and past participle dropped the writ)

  1. (Canada, idiomatic) To call a federal or provincial election.
    • 2000 October 22, Allison Dunfield, “Chrétien calls election for Nov. 27”, in Globe and Mail, Toronto:
      Mr. Chrétien visited Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson and asked her to drop the writ, meaning that for the next 36 days, Canada will be hit with election fever.

Usage notes

Formally, "draws the writ" or "Issues the writ(s)."

References
  1. Statutes of the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba: Queen's Printer, 1887, p. 148.
  2. Robert Allen (1841), The Practice of the Common Law Courts, and Practical Lawyer's Pocket Book, London, England: John Richards and Co., Law Booksellers, &c., p. 82.
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