“This we still make use of in the form of common recoveries, which are grounded on a writ of entry; a species of action that we may remember relies chiefly on the weakness of the tenant’s title, who therefore vouches another person to warrant it …. In assises indeed, where the principal question is whether the demandant or his ancestors were or were not in possession till the ouster happened, and the title of the tenant is little (if at all) discussed, there no voucher is allowed; but the tenant may bring a writ of warrantia chartae against the warrantor, to compel him to assist him with a good plea or defence, or else to render damages and the value of the land, if recovered against the tenant.” 3 William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England 299 (1768).
de warrantia chartae
de warrantia chartae (dee w[schwa]-ran-shee-[schwa] kahr-tee), n. [Law Latin “of a warranty of charter”] Hist. A writ allowing a tenant enfeoffed with a warranty, who was impleaded in an assize or other action in which the tenant could not call upon the warranty, to compel the feoffor to assist the tenant with a plea or defense, or else to pay damages and the value of the land, if it is recovered against the tenant.
