An extraordinary writ commanding an official to perform a ministerial act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty and not a matter for the official's discretion; used only when all other judicial remedies fail.
synonym: writ of mandamus.
Roget 741:
command,
order,
ordinance,
act,
fiat,
hukm†,
bidding,
dictum,
hest†,
behest,
call,
beck,
nod.
despatch,
dispatch;
message,
direction,
injunction,
charge,
instructions;
appointment,
fixture.
demand,
exaction,
imposition,
requisition,
claim,
reclamation,
revendication†;
ultimatum
etc.
(terms)
770;
request
etc.
765;
requirement.
dictation;
dictate,
mandate;
caveat,
decree,
senatus consultum [Lat.];
precept;
prescript,
rescript;
writ,
ordination,
bull,
ex cathedra pronouncement [Lat.],
edict,
decretal†,
dispensation,
prescription,
brevet,
placit†,
ukase,
ukaz [Rus.],
firman,
hatti-sherif†,
warrant,
passport,
mittimus,
mandamus,
summons,
subpoena,
nisi prius [Lat.],
interpellation,
citation;
word,
word of command;
mot d'ordre [Fr.];
bugle call,
trumpet call;
beat of drum,
tattoo;
order of the day;
enactment
etc.
(law)
963;
plebiscite
etc.
(choice)
609.
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