SIGNATURE

The act of writing one’s name upon a deed, note, contract or other instrument, either to identify or authenticate it or to give it validity as one’s own act. The name so written is also called a “signature.” It is not necessary that a party should write his name himself, to constitute a signature; his mark is now held sufficient though he was able to write. In ecclesiastical law. The name of a sort of rescript without seal, containing the supplication, the signature of the pope or his delegate, and the grant of a pardon.