writ sb. (2 “holy writ” is the usu. phrase)
1.
that which is
written, writing, document
2H6 I. iv. 60
“the devil's
writ,”
Tit. II. iii. 264
“this fatal
writ,”
Ham. II. ii. 430 [421*] “For the law of writ and the
liberty” (?=‘for repeating
correctly what is written, and for freedom of
improvisation’, Clark and Wright; Q 1676
“wit”), V. ii. 51 [I] “folded the writ up”;
‘penned or premeditated oration’ (J.)
Cæs. III. ii. 225
“I have neither writ,
nor words, nor worth”
(Ff2-4
“wit”).
2.
Scripture; (hence)
‘gospel’ truth
Per. II. Gower 12
“each man Thinks all is
writ he speken can.”
