Deed Poll

contracts. <A deed made by one party only is not indented, but polled or shaved quite even, and is, for this reason, called a deed-poll or single deed.

Co. Litt. 299, a.

A deed poll is not, strictly speaking, an agreement between two persons; but a declaration of some one particular person, respecting an agreement made by him with some other person. For example, a feoffment from A to B by deed poll, is not an agreement between A and B, but rather a declaration by A addressed to all mankind, informing them that he thereby gives and enfeoffs B of certain land therein described. It was formerly called charta de una parte, and usually began with these words. Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego A &c.; and now begins, “ know all men by these presents, that I, A B, have given, granted, and enfeoffed, and by these presents do give, grant, and enfeoff,”’ é&c. Cruise, Real Prop. tit.

32, c. 1, 8. 23.