Quo warranto

‖ [ So called from the Law L. words quo warranto (by what authority), in the original Latin form of the writ. See Which, and Warrant. ] (Law) A writ brought before a proper tribunal, to inquire by what warrant a person or a corporation acts, or exercises certain powers. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ An information in the nature of a quo warranto is now common as a substitute for the writ. Wharton. [ 1913 Webster ]