Praecipe or “precipe” –  This term comes from Latin: It is used to refer to the actual writ that would be presented in court, to be officially issued on behalf of the court but now mostly refers to the covering letter from the lawyer (or plaintiff) which accompanies and formally applies for the writ to be issued by the court employee. The precipe is kept on the court file, but does not follow the writ when it has been is served towards the defendant.