CAPIAS, in Law, a writ of two sorts; one before
judgment in an action, and the other after. That be-
fore judgment is called capias ad respondendum, where
an original is issued out, to take the defendant, and
make him answer the plaintiff. That after judgment
is of divers kinds; as,
CAPIAS ad Satisfaciendum, a writ of execution, that
issues on a judgment obtained, and lies where any per-
son recovers in a personal action, as for debt, damages,
&c.
Capillary. &c. in which cases this writ issues to the sheriff, commanding him to take the body of him against whom the debt is recovered, who is to be kept in prison till he makes satisfaction.
Capias Pro Fine is a writ lying where a person is fined to the king, for some offence committed against a statute, and he does not discharge the fine according to the judgment; therefore his body shall be taken by this writ, and committed to gaol till the fine is paid.
Capias Utlegatum, a writ which lies against any one outlawed, upon any action personal or criminal, by which the sheriff is ordered to apprehend the party outlawed, for not appearing on the exigent, and keep him in safe custody till the day of return, when he is ordered to present him to the court, to be there farther ordered for his contempt.
Capias in Withernam, a writ that lies for cattle in withernam: that is, where a distress taken is driven out of the county, so that the sheriff cannot make deliverance upon a replevin; then this writ issues, commanding the sheriff to take as many beasts of the distrainer, &c.
Capigi, a porter or doorkeeper of the Turkish seraglio. There are about five hundred capigis or porters in the seraglio, divided into two companies: one consisting of three hundred, under a chief called Capigi-Bassa, who has a stipend of three ducats per day; the other consists of two hundred, distinguished by the name of Cuccicapigi, and their chief Cuccicapigi-Bassa, who has two ducats. The capigis have from seven to fifteen aspers per day; some more, others less. Their business is to assist the janizaries in the guard of the first and second gates of the seraglio; sometimes all together; as when the Turk holds a general council, receives an ambassador, or goes to the mosque; and sometimes only in part: being ranged on either side to prevent people entering with arms, any tumults being made, &c. The word, in its original, signifies gate.