habeas corpus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge
    writ of habeas corpus.
  2. noun the civil right to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as protection against illegal imprisonment

WordNet

Ha"be*as corpus
Etymology
L. you may have the body.
Definitions
  1. (Law) A writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or detention by another, with the view to protect the right to personal liberty; also, one to bring a prisoner into court to testify in a pending trial. Bouvier.

Webster 1913