English

Verb

to drop the writ ‎(third-person singular simple present drops the writ, present participle dropping the writ, simple past and past participle dropped the writ)

1. (Canada, idiomatic) To call a federal or provincial election.
   • 2000, Allison Dunfield, "Chrétien calls election for Nov. 27," Globe and Mail (Toronto), 22 Oct.,

     Mr. Chrétien visited Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson and asked her to drop the writ, meaning that for the next 36 days, Canada will be hit with election fever.

Usage notes

Formally, "draws the writ" or "Issues the writ(s)."