Dictionary entry

Significavit

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Sig′ni‐fi‐ca″vit (?), n. [L., (he) has signified, perf. ind. of significare to signify.] (Eng. Eccl. Law) Formerly, a writ issuing out of chancery, upon certificate given by the ordinary, of a man's standing excommunicate by the space of forty days, for the laying him up in prison till he submit himself to the authority of the church. Crabb.