EXTENT, in Law, is used in a double sense, denoting either a writ of execution (called also an extendi facias) directed to the sheriff against the person, lands, and goods, or the lands only, of a debtor; or the act of the sheriff or officer upon this writ. These writs are of two kinds, to both of which the sovereign is by ancient prerogative entitled, for the purpose of obtaining satisfaction of debts due or assigned to the crown. The writ of extent in chief is a proceeding by the sovereign for the recovery of his own debt, and in which he is the real plaintiff. The writ of extent in aid is also sued out at the instance and for the benefit of the crown against the debtor of a crown debtor. In this last proceeding the sovereign is only the nominal plaintiff.