a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge

A formal written document requesting a right or benefit from a person or group in authority, where the subject is within the jurisdiction of the court with out the bringing of an action (as a petition for the writ, of habeas corpus, or for an adjudication in bankruptcy); also, the paper containing such a supplication, solicitation, or humble request, a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority, verb_ write a petition for something to somebody; request formally and in writing, To make a request, commonly in written form, intransitive verb_ To address a petition to, To ask for by petition; request formally, To make a petition or solicitation