Definition of Cepit

In civil practice. He took. This was the characteristic word employed in (Latin) writs of trespass for goods taken, and in declarations in trespass and replevin. Replevin in the cepit is a form of replevin which is brought for carrying away goods merely. Wells, Repl. § 53. In criminal practice. This was a technical word necessary in an indictment for larceny. The charge must be that the defendant took the thing stolen with a felonious design. Bac. Abr. "Indictment," G, 1.
—Cepit et abduxit. He took and led away. The empbatic words in writs in trespass or indictments for larceny, where the thing taken was a living chattel, i. e., an animal.
—Celpit et asportavit. He took and carried away. Applicable in a declaration in trespass or an indictment for larceny where the defendant has carried away goods without right. 4 Bl. Comm. 231.
—Cepit in alio looo. In pleading. A plea in replevin, by which the defendant alleges that he took the thing replevied in another place than that mentioned in the declaration. 1 Chit. PI. 490.