A written document; a formal or legal document in writing, such as a contract, deed, will, bond, or lease. In the law of evidence. Anything which may be presented as evidence to the senses of the adjudicating tribunal. The term “instruments of evidence” includes not merely documents, but witnesses and living things which may be presented for inspection. 1 Whart. Ev. f 615. Instrument of appeal. The document by which an appeal is brought in an English matrimonial cause from the president of the probate, divorce, and admiralty division to the full court. It is analogous to a petition. Browne, Div. 322. Instrument of evidence. Instruments of evidence are the media through which the evidence of facts, either disputed or required to be proved, is conveyed to the mind of a judicial tribunal: and they comprise persons, as well as writings. Best, Ev.