Practice. The name of a return made by the sheriff to a writ, when it came into his hands too late to be executed before the return day. 2. The sheriff is required to show that he has yielded obedience to the writ, or give a good excuse for his omission; and he may say, quod breve adeo tarde venit quod exequi non possunt. It is usual to return the writ with an indorsement of tarde venit.