formerly a writ from, now an order of, a superior court commanding an inferior tribunal, public official, corporation, etc, to carry out a public duty
Word origin
C16: Latin, literally: we command, from mandāre to command
mandamus in American English
(mænˈdeɪməs)
noun
1. Law
a writ commanding that a specified thing be done, issued by a higher court to a lower one, or to a private or municipal corporation, government agency, official, etc.
verb transitive
2. Informal
to serve with or command by such a writ
Word origin
L, we command, 1st pers. pl., pres. indic., of mandare: see mandate