MAINPRISE

Main "prise, n. Etym: [F. main hand + prise a taking, fr. prendre, p.p. pris to take, fr. L. prehendere, prehensum.] (Law ) (a ) A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him to take sureties, called mainpernors, for the prisoner's appearance, and to let him go at large. This writ is now obsolete. Wharton.(b ) Deliverance of a prisoner on security for his appearance at a day.

MAINPRISE

Main "prise, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mainprised; p. pr. & vb. n.Mainprising.] (Law )