Forge

\L.Yr.fauxer,fauser,faucher; L. laX.falsare,fahricare^ In criminal law. To make or fabricate a thing in imitation of another, with a view to deceive and defraud; to make falsely; to counterfeit.* To forge (a metaphorical expression, borrowed from the occupation of the smith,) means, properly speaking, no more than to make ox form, but in our law it is always taken in an evil sense.

2 East^s P. C. 852, c. 19, § 1.

The French fauxer or fauser^ however (from faux, false,) which is the term employed by Britton, always radically imported a false making, and may have been the origin of the English word, instead of forger, to fashion, (q. v.) To forge and to counterfeit are constantly used both in ancient and modem law, as synonymous terms. Thus, defauseours qui ount nostre monoy countrefait; of forgers who have counteifeited our money. BritL c.

4.

See Forgery. The former, however, is usually applied to writing or written instruments, the latter to other subjects of imitation, especially money. Thus, we say 2l forged deed, s^ forged check, k forged signature, a forged endorsement; and a coun^ terfeit coin, a counterfeit bank note.