The act of witnessing an instrument in writing, at the request of the party making the same, and subscribing it as a witness. See Attest. Execution and attestation are clearly distinct formalities; the tormer being the act of the party, the latter of the witnesses only. Attestation clause. That clause wherein the witnesses certify that the instrument has been executed before them, and the manner of the execution of the same. Attesting witness. One who signs his name to an instrument, at the request of the party or parties, for the purpose of proving and identifying it. Skinner v. Bible Soc, 92 Wis. 209, 65 N. W. 1037.