In English law. A writ dlrected to the sherlff, (either generally, wben any man is Imprisoned for a bailable offense and bail has been refused, or specially, when tbe offense or cause of commitment is not properly bailable below,) commanding him to take sureties for the prisoner's appearance, commonly called “mainpernors," and to set him at large. 3 Bl. Comm. 128
Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)
