Law. [L., ‘why he impedes or hinders.’] A form of writ issued in cases of disputed presentation to a benefice, requiring the defendant to state why he hinders the plaintiff from making the presentation.
[1292. Britton, IV. vi. § 2. Si acun, qi ad dreit de presenter … voille presenter, et autre i mette destourbaunce … adounc tient proprement lu cest bref Quare impedit.]
1498–9. Plumpton Corr. (Camden), 133. The best remedy for your Incumbent was … to suy a quare Impedit at the comon law.
1548. Staunford, Kinges Prerog. (1567), 54 b. If his highnes bringe his Quare impedit or accion of trespas.
a. 1670. Hacket, Life Abp. Williams, II. (1693), 79. In matters ecclesiastical, as Advousons, Presentations, Quare-impedits, &c.
1705. Burnet, Own Time, v. (1734), II. 27. The actions of Quare Impedit, that they would be liable to, if they did not admit the Clerks presented to them.
1804. Bp. of Lincoln, in G. Rose, Diaries (1860), II. 88. A caveat or a quare impedit may be advised.
1875. Poste, Gaius, IV. (ed. 2), 636. Both parties are said to be equally plaintiffs and equally defendants in the actions … Quare impedit and Replevin.
