(verb) – L. Fr. In Norman law. To recite or testify on recollection what had previously passed in court. This was the duty of the judges and other principal persons who presided at the placitum; thence called “recordeurs.” Steph. PL, Append, note 1L
(noun) – In old English law. barrister or other person learned in the law, whom the mayor or other magistrate of any city or town corporate, having jurisdiction or a court of record within their precincts, associated to him for his better direction in matters of justice and proceedings according to law. Cowell. The name “recorder” is also given to a magistrate, in the judicial systems of some of the states, who has a criminal jurisdiction analogous to that of a police judge or other Committing magistrate, and usually a limited dvil jurisdiction, and sometimes authority conferred by statute in special classes of proceedings. Also an officer appointed to make record or enrolment of deeds and other legal instruments authorized by law to be recorded.