Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Chirograph
Chi′ro-graph
,Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK] written with the hand;
χείρ
hand + γράφειν
to write.] (Old. Law)
(a)
A writing which, requiring a counterpart, was engrossed twice on the same piece of parchment, with a space between, in which was written the word chirographum, through which the parchment was cut, and one part given to each party. It answered to what is now called a
charter party
. (b)
The last part of a fine of land, commonly called the foot of the fine.
Bouvier.
Webster 1828 Edition
Chirograph
CHIROGRAPH
, n.1.
Anciently a deed, which, requiring a counterpart, was engrossed twice on the same piece of parchment, with a space between, in which was written chirograph, through which the parchment was cut, and one part given to each party. It answered to what is now called a charter-party.2.
A fine, so called from the manner of engrossing, which is still retained in the chirographers office in England.Definition 2024
chirograph
chirograph
English
Noun
chirograph (plural chirographs)
- (law, historical) A kind of mediaeval document written in duplicate (or more) on a single piece of parchment, then cut across a single word, so that each holder of a portion can prove it matches the others.
- (law, historical) A papal decree whose circulation, unlike an encyclical, is limited to the Roman curia.
- (obsolete) The last part of a fine of land; the "foot of the fine".
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Bouvier to this entry?)