GRAND Distress (distress magna), in English law, a
writ of distress, so called on account of its extent, which
reaches to all the goods and chattels of the party within
the county. This writ lies in two cases: either when
the tenant or defendant is attached and appears not,
but makes default; or where the tenant or defendant
hath once appeared, and after makes default. On such
occasions, this writ lies by common law, in lieu of a
petit cape.