"recovery of goods (by someone) taken from him, upon posting of security," mid-15c., from Anglo-French replevin (14c.) and Anglo-Latin (13c.) replevina, from Old French replevir (v.) "to pledge, protect, warrant," from re- "back, again" (see re-) + plevir, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to pledge (v.). The corresponding verb is replevy (1550s).
