nulla bona

nulla bona

From Latin, literally, "no goods," a writ returned by a sheriff or similar official to indicate that no goods were obtained that can be used to satisfy a legal action for debt or damages. A warrant of execution was issued to cover the cost of the judgment, but after a thorough search of the defendant's dwellings revealed no property of any substantial value, the sheriff was forced to return a write of nulla bona.
See also: bona, nulla
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • nulla
  • angler
  • on approval
  • bill of goods
  • damaged goods
  • pink it and shrink it
  • shrink
  • come up with the goods
  • come up with/deliver/produce the goods
  • black market