The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Scire facias \Sci`re fa"ci*as\ (s[imac]`r[-e]
   f[=a]"sh[i^]*[a^]s). [L., do you cause to know.] (Law)
   A judicial writ, founded upon some record, and requiring the
   party proceeded against to show cause why the party bringing
   it should not have advantage of such record, or (as in the
   case of scire facias to repeal letters patent) why the record
   should not be annulled or vacated. --Wharton. Bouvier.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

scire facias
    n 1: a judicial writ based on some record and requiring the
         party against whom it is brought to show cause why the
         record should not be enforced or annulled