detinue

detinue Definition

deti·nue (det′'n yo̵̅o̅′, -'n o̵̅o̅′)

noun

the unlawful detention of personal property which originally was rightfully acquired
an action or writ for the recovery of property unlawfully detained, as in a pawnshop

Etymology: ME < OFr, fem. pp. of detenir: see detain

detinue Law Definition

At common law, an action to recover personal property wrongly held by another.

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