search warrant

a court order authorizing the examination of a dwelling or other private premises by police officials, as for stolen goods.

Origin of search warrant

First recorded in 1730–40

And they will make a raid upon him soon with a search-warrant I dare say.

Dariel |R. D. Blackmore
When Hiram Doolittle had obtained his search-warrant, his first business was to procure a proper officer to see it executed.

The Pioneers |James Fenimore Cooper
Aroused to the work in hand, she debated for about one second whether to appeal to a lawyer to get a search-warrant for her.

The Mission of Poubalov |Frederick R. (Frederick Russell) Burton
A search-warrant and a writ of attachment probably did the business in this case.

'Firebrand' Trevison |Charles Alden Seltzer

“I will go home with thee,” says the Master always in his Word, and his search-warrant has never lost its power.

The Hearth-Stone |Samuel Osgood

search warrant

a written order issued by a justice of the peace authorizing a constable or other officer to enter and search premises for stolen goods, drugs, etc