Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCI-RE-FA'CIAS, n. [SCI-RE FA'CIAS. L.]

In law, a judicial writ summoning a person to show cause to the court why something should not be done, as to require sureties to show cause why the plaintif should not have execution against them for debt and damages, or to require a third person to show cause why goods in his hands by replevin, should not be delivered to satisfy the execution, &c. – Blackstone.