Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Quo warranto
‖
Quoˊ war-ran′to
(kwōˊ wŏr-răn′tō̍)
. [So called from the Law L. words
quo warranto
(by what authority), in the original Latin form of the writ. See Which
, and Warrant
.] (Law)
A writ brought before a proper tribunal, to inquire by what warrant a person or a corporation acts, or exercises certain powers.
Blackstone.
☞ An information in the nature of a quo warranto is now common as a substitute for the writ.
Wharton.