E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Quo Warranto.
A writ against a defendant (whether an individual or a corporation) who lays claim to something he has no right to; so named because the offender is called upon to show quo warranto [rem] usurpa’vit (by what right or authority he lays claim to the matter of dispute).
