Definition

A true copy or extract of an original document, especially one that records penalties or fines to be collected by an official.

Example

The court issued an estreat to collect the fines from the defendants.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an estreat in legal terms?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's a formal copy of a court record, especially for penalties.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know that existed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To take out or extract something from official records, especially to enforce a fine or penalty.

Example

The court decided to estreat the fine due to the defendant's failure to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the case where they had to estreat the fine from that company?

Yeah, I read about that! It seems like they were really trying to make a point.

I wonder how often they actually estreat fines like that.

Root Explanation

Estreat is derived from the Old French word 'estreit', meaning to extract or to draw out. The term is used in legal contexts to refer to the process of extracting or drawing out a record or document from a court or official source.

Memory Tip

Think of 'extracting' something from a source — that's what estreat means, as it involves drawing out legal records.

Visually Confused Words