seizure
    n 1: a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease; "he
         suffered an epileptic seizure" [syn: seizure, ictus,
         raptus]
    2: the act of forcibly dispossessing an owner of property [syn:
       capture, gaining control, seizure]
    3: the act of taking of a person by force [syn: capture,
       seizure]
    4: the taking possession of something by legal process

Seizure \Sei"zure\, n.
   1. The act of seizing, or the state of being seized; sudden
      and violent grasp or gripe; a taking into possession; as,
      the seizure of a thief, a property, a throne, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Retention within one's grasp or power; hold; possession;
      ownership.
      [1913 Webster]

            Make o'er thy honor by a deed of trust,
            And give me seizure of the mighty wealth. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. That which is seized, or taken possession of; a thing laid
      hold of, or possessed.
      [1913 Webster] Sejant

SEIZURE, practice. The act of taking possession of the property of a person 
condemned by the judgment of a competent tribunal, to pay a certain sum of 
money, by a sheriff, constable, or other officer, lawfully authorized 
thereto, by virtue of an execution, for the purpose of having such property 
sold according to law to satisfy the judgment. By seizure is also meant the 
taking possession of goods for a violation of a public law; as the taking 
possession of a ship for attempting an illicit trade. 2 Cranch, 18 7; 6 
Cowen, 404; 4 Wheat. 100; 1 Gallis. 75; 2 Wash. C. C. 127, 567. 
     2. The seizure is complete as soon as the goods are within the power of 
the officer. 3 Rawle's Rep. 401; 16 Johns. Rep. 287; 2 Nott & McCord, 392; 2 
Rawle's Rep. 142; Wats. on Sher. 172; Com. Dig. Execution, C 5. 
     3. The taking of part of the goods in a house, however, by virtue of a 
fieri facias in the name of the whole, is a good seizure of all. 8 East, R. 
474. As the seizure must be made by virtue of an execution, it is evident 
that it cannot be made after the return day. 2 Caine's Rep. 243; 4 John. R. 
450. Vide Door; House; Search Warrant.