mandamus Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun an extraordinary writ commanding an official to perform a ministerial act that the law recognizes as an absolute duty and not a matter for the official's discretion; used only when all other judicial remedies fail
writ of mandamus.
WordNet
Man*da"mus noun
Etymology
L., we command, fr.Definitions
(Law) A writ issued by a superior court and directed to some inferior tribunal, or to some corporation or person exercising authority, commanding the performance of some specified duty.