The act of forming by the hand letters or characters of a particular kind on paper or other suitable substance, and artfully putting them together so as to convey ideas. It differs from printing, which is the formation of words on paper or other proper substance by means of a stamp. Sometimes by writing and understood printing, and sometimes printing and writing mixed. 2. Many contracts are required to be in writing; all deeds for real estate must be in writing, for it cannot be conveyed by a contract not in writing, yet it is the constant practice to make deeds partly in printing, and partly in writing. Wills, except nuncupative wills, must begin writing, and signed by the testator; and nuncupative wills must be reduced to writing by the witnesses within a limited time after the testator’s death. 3. Records, bonds, bills of exchange and many other engagements, must, from their nature, be made in writing, See Statute of Frauds. 4. The expression of ideas by letters visible to the eye. Clason v. Bailey, 14 Johns. (N. Y.) 491. The giving an outward and objective form to a contract will, etc., by means of letters or marks placed upon paper, parchment, or other material substance. In the most general sense of the word, “writing” denotes a document whether manuscript or printed, as opposed to mere spoken words. Writing is essential to the validity of certain contracts and other transactions. Sweet.