Definition of: replevin

(ri·plev′in) Law noun
1. An action to regain possession of personal property unlawfully retained, on giving security to try the title and respond to the judgment; recovery of property by such action.
2. The judicial writ or process by which such proceedings are instituted.
—v.t. To replevy. [<AF replevine <OF replevir warrant, pledge <re- back + plevir pledge <Gmc.]