What is the Latin word for writ?

The usual Latin words for “writ” are scrībō, praescrībō, mandō; also ēmittō, sacer, dīvīnus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“writ” in Latin

scrībōto write praescrībōto write in front; to prefix; to order, appoint, direct, command or prescribe mandōto order, command, enjoin; to put in hand; deliver over; to commit, consign ēmittōto send forth, emit, discharge; to hurl, cast; to let forth, let go, send out sacersacred, holy, dedicated (to a divinity), consecrated, hallowed (translating Greek ἱερός); devoted (to a divinity for sac dīvīnusdivine, of a deity, superhuman, supernatural LactantiusA masculine cognomen — famously held by

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

writ

Anything written, scriptum. Holy Writ, litterae sanctae, sacrae, or divinae; arcanae sanctae religionis litterae (Lactantius): *corpus litterarum sanctarum (collection of sacred writings). ☞ Biblia is modern, and scriptura sancta or sacra (Lactantius 4, 5, 9) is late Latin: scriptura, in classical Latin, is never = a writing, written document. As we read, or find, in Holy Writ, ut sanctae litterae docent; sicut sacrae litterae docent; quod divinis litteris proditum est.

In law, praescriptum: mandatum: *litterae de comprehendendo malefico editae or emissae; or simply litterae (from the context). To issue a writ for, mandare alicui aliquid; *litteras edere, emittere de re.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for writ?: The usual Latin words for “writ” are scrībō, praescrībō, mandō; also ēmittō, sacer, dīvīnus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.