In English practice. A writ directed to the sheriff of the county in which a defendant resides, or has any goods or chattels, commanding him to distrain up* on the goods and chattels of the defendant for forty shillings, ln order to compel his appearance. 3 Stepb. Comm. 567. This writ issues in cases where it is found impracticable to get at the defendant personally, so as to serve a summons upon him. ld