The act of a sheriff, con-stable, or other ministerial oflicer, in de-llvering back to the court a writ, notice, or other paper, which he was required to serve or execute, with a brief account of hls do-lngs under the mandate, the time and mode of service or execution, or his failure to accomplish It, as the case may he. Also the indorsement made by the officer upon the writ or other paper, stating what he has done under it, the time and mode of service, etc
Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)
