Pronunciation: [ɹɪplˈɛvɪn] (IPA) 
Replevin is a legal term used to describe the recovery of a wrongfully taken object. It's pronounced as rɪˈplɛvɪn and spelled with a silent "e" after the "v." The "e" in "replevin" is silent and serves no phonetic purpose. The word is derived from the Old French word "replevine," which means to call back a pledge. This term is often used in law to describe the action of repossessing personal property.
Replevin is a legal term referring to a legal action that allows a person to recover personal property that has been wrongfully taken or retained by someone else.
In a replevin action, the plaintiff seeks not only to regain possession of the property in question but also to obtain damages for any losses or harm suffered as a result of the wrongful possession. Typically, replevin suits arise when someone claims that their personal belongings have been wrongfully taken or held by another person, without their consent or legal authority.
To initiate a replevin action, the plaintiff usually files a formal complaint with the court, outlining the details of the claim and providing evidence of their rightful ownership or possession of the property. The court then issues a writ of replevin, which authorizes a law enforcement agency or a court-appointed officer to take possession of the disputed property and return it to the plaintiff. Once the property is returned, the court will proceed to determine the legal rights and obligations of the parties involved and potentially award damages if applicable.
Replevin actions can be crucial in protecting an individual's rights to their rightful possessions and obtaining recourse for any resulting losses. They can provide an effective legal remedy for recovering personal property and addressing the injustices caused by the unauthorized possession or retention of such property.
• See replevy.
• In law, an action to recover possession of goods or cattle wrongfully distrained.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "replevin" can be traced back to Medieval Latin. Its origins are a combination of two Latin words: "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "plevinia" meaning "pledge". In medieval legal terminology, "plevinia" referred to a pledge or security given as a guarantee in a legal dispute. The word "replevin" was then adopted into Old French as "replevir" before being anglicized as "replevin" in English. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to a legal action to recover goods that have been wrongfully taken or withheld, often requiring a pledge as security for their return.
