Definition

A legal term referring to a type of action to recover goods that have been wrongfully taken or detained.

Example

The court granted a replevy to the plaintiff, allowing them to reclaim their property.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a replevy?

I think I read something about it in a legal context.

Yeah, I found it interesting how it involves reclaiming property.

It does sound like a unique legal term; I should look it up more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To take back possession of something that was taken away, usually through a legal process.

Example

The company was able to replevy the equipment that had been wrongfully seized.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you had to replevy your bike from that shop.

Yeah, it was such a hassle to get it back.

Was it difficult to go through the process to replevy it?

Root Explanation

Replevy is derived from the Old French 'replevir', which means to recover or regain possession of property. The prefix 're-' (meaning again) combined with 'plevir' (meaning to pledge or deliver) indicates the act of delivering something back again. Thus, replevy refers to the act of regaining possession of property that has been taken away.

Memory Tip

Think of 'regaining' something ('re-') that was 'pledged' or taken away ('plevir'). This helps you remember that replevy means to recover possession.

Visually Confused Words