Writ of Formedon:
“[fr. Lat1n forma doni ‘form of the gift’) (15c.) Hist. A writ of right for claiming entailed property held by another. A writ of formedon was the highest remedy available to a tenant in tail. – formedon.” [1]
Excerpt from Alexander M. Burrill’s A Law Dictionary and Glossary:
“Called formedon, because the writ comprehended the
form of the gift. It was of three kinds, in the descender, in the remainder, and in the reverter.” [2]
Definition of (In) Tail:
“n. (14.) The limitation of an estate so that it can be inherited only by the fee owner’s issue or class of issue.” See FEE TAIL; ENTAIL. – Also termed (in Scots Law) tailzie”
- Formedon in the Descender: “(17c) A writ of formedon brought by the issue in tail to recover possession of the land.”
- Formedon in the Femainder: “(16c.) A writ of formedon brought by a remainderman under a grant or gift 1n tail to recover possession of the land.”
- Formedon in the Reverter: “(17c.) A writ of formedon brought by a reversioner or donor of the grant or gift 1n tail to recover possession of the land.”
References:
[1]: Black’s Law Dictionary Deluxe Tenth Edition by Henry Campbell Black & Editor in Chief Bryan A. Garner. ISBN: 978-0-314-62130-6
[2]: 1 Alexander M. Burrill, A Law Dictionary and Glossary
650 (2d ed. 1867)