Grand Distress

Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1891), Burrill (1850)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

In English practice. A process which formerly issued where the defendant, after being attached, neglected to appear; its object being to compel an appearance by distraining his goods (3 Bl. Comm. 280). It is called "grand" from its extent and stringency. Blount.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

A writ issued in an action of quare impedit, after the defendant’s default, to distrain all of his property in the county to force his appearance.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

WRIT OF. A writ formerly issued in the real action of quare impedit, when uo appearance had been entered after the attachment; it commanded the sheriff to distrain the defendant’s lands and chattels in order to compel appearance. It is no longer used, 23 & 24 Vict. ¢. 126, § 26, having abolished the action of guure tmpedit, and substituted for it the procedure in an ordinary action. Wharton.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

\L.FT,ffraund destresse; L. Lat. ma^na aistrictio,'] In English practice. A process which formerly issued in actions, where the tenant or defendant, after being attached, and so returned, neglected to appear; its object being to compel an appearance by distraining his goods and the proi Qts of his lands. Cowell. Britt c. 2G. 3 Bl Com. 280. It is called grand from its extent and stringency, and is still retained in the action of quare impedit, Blount. 3 Steph. Com. 662.