Mark

A sign, traced on paper or parchment, which stands in the place of a signature; usually made by persons who cannot write. It is most often the sign of the cross, made in a little space left between the Christian name and surname.

2 Bl. Comm. 305; 2 Curt. 324; Moody & M. 516; 12 Pet. (U. S.) 150; 7 Bing. 457; 2 Ves. Sr. 455; 1 Ves. & B. 362; 1 Ves. Jr. 11.

A mark is now held to be a good signature, though the party was able to write. 8 Adol. & E. 94; 3 Nev. & P. 228; 3 Curt. 752; 5 Johns. (N. Y.) 144; 2 Bradf. Sur. (N. Y.) 385; 24 Pa. St. 602; 29 Pa. St. 221; 19 Mo. 609; 21 Mo. 17; 18 Ga. S96; 16 R Mon. (Ky.) 102; 1 MARKET (Lat. mens, merchandise; anciently, mercat). A public place and appointed time for buying and selling. A public place appointed by public authority, where all sorts of things necessary for the subsistence or for the convenience of life are sold.

14 N. Y. 356.

All fairs are markets, but not vice versa. Bracton, lib.

2, c. 24; Co. Litt. 22; 2 Inst. 401; 4 Inst. 272.

Markets are generally regulated by local laws. The franchise by which a town holds a market, which can only be by royal grant or immemorial usage.

21 Barb. (N. Y.) 296, 2 Bl. Comm. 37.

By the term "market" is also understood the demand there is for any particular article; as, the cotton market in Europe is dull.

See 15 Viner, Abr. 42; Comyn, Dig.