[Lat. 3rd sing. perf. of cessāre = CEASE v., CESS v.2 1.] A writ so called, originating in Stat. 6 Edw. I. and abolished by 3 and 4 Wm. IV. (See quot. and cf. CESS v.2, CESSER.)
1555. Perkins, Prof. Bk., v. § 389. The Lord bringeth a Cessavit and doth recover.
1641. Termes de la Ley, 50.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., III. 232. The writ of cessavit: which lies, by the statutes of Glocester … and of Westm. 2 … when a man who holds lands of a lord by rent or other services, neglects or ceases to perform his services for two years together.
1809. Tomlins, Law Dict., s.v., If the lord distrains pending the writ of cessavit against his tenant, the writ shall abate.
