In Scotch law. An officer nearly corresponding to an attorney at law, in English and American practice. "Writers to the signet" called also "clerks to the signet" derive their name from the circumstance that they were anciently clerks in the office of the secretary of state, by whom writs were prepared and issued under the royal signet or seal; and when the signet became … [Read more...]

In England An officer of the exchequer whose duty it was to write upon the tallies the letters of tellers' bills. … [Read more...]

A tax deductible expense, typically referring to a type of depreciation of a business asset. … [Read more...]

To reduce in value or to lower a price. … [Read more...]

remedies, practice. The name of a writ which re-cites that the defendant was summoned to appear to answer the plaintiff in a plea whereof he took the cattle of the said plaintiff, specifying them, and that the said plaintiff afterwards made default, wherefore it was then considered that the said plaintiff and his pledges of prosecuting should be in mercy and that the said … [Read more...]