'Mandamus' definitions:
Definition of 'mandamus'
(from WordNet)
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 [syn: mandamus, writ of mandamus]
Definition of 'Mandamus'
From: GCIDE
- Mandamus \Man*da"mus\, n. [L., we command, fr. mandare to command.] (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. [1913 Webster]