Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SEARCH'-WAR-RANT, a.

In law, a warrant issued by a justice of the peace, authorizing persons to search houses or other places, for stolen goods. Right of search, in naval affairs, the right claimed by one nation, to authorize the commanders of their ships to enter vessels of other nations, and examine their papers and cargo, to ascertain the character of the vessels, and the destination of their cargoes.