Definition of RETURN OF WRITS

2. It is the duty of such officer to return all writs on the return day;
on his neglecting to do so, a rule may be obtained on him to return the writ
and, if he do not obey the rule, he may be attached for contempt. See 19 Vin.
Ab. 171; Con]. Dig. Return; 2 Lilly s Abr. 476; Wood. b. 1, c. 7; 1 Penna. R.
497; 1 Rawle, R. 520; 3 Yeates, 17; 3 Yeates, 47; 1 Dall. 439.

Source: Bouviers Law Dictionary 1856 Edition