Main"prise, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Mainprised (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Mainprising.] (Law) To suffer to go
at large, on his finding sureties, or mainpernors, for his appearance
at a day; -- said of a prisoner.
Main"prise (?), n. [F. main hand
+ prise a taking, fr. prendre, p. p. pris to
take, fr. L. prehendere, prehensum.] (Law)
(a) A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding
him to take sureties, called mainpernors, for the prisoner's
appearance, and to let him go at large. This writ is now
obsolete. Wharton. (b) Deliverance
of a prisoner on security for his appearance at a day.