Word Study
mainprise
CIDE DICTIONARY
mainprise, n. [F. main hand + prise a taking, fr. prendre, p. p. pris to take, fr. L. prehendere, prehensum.].
A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him to take sureties, called mainpernors, for the prisoner's appearance, and to let him go at large. This writ is now obsolete. [1913 Webster]
mainprise, v. t.
To suffer to go at large, on his finding sureties, or mainpernors, for his appearance at a day; -- said of a prisoner. [1913 Webster]
For further exploring for "mainprise" in Webster Dictionary Online
