Recorder
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary · Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
A judicial officer of some cities, possessing generally the powers and authority of a judge.
3 Yeates (Pa.) 300; 4 Dall. (Pa.) 299. But see 1 Const. (S. C.) 45.
The recorder in New York city was the chief judge of the criminal courts. There were recorders in various other cities in New York state, and also in the counties thereof, having various powers. See Rev. St. N. _Y. Anciently, "recorder" signified to recite or testify on recollection, as occasion might require, what had previously passed in court; and this was the duty of the judges, thence called "recordeurs." Steph. PL note 11. struments authorized by law to be recorded.