Sign Manual

Defined in 5 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Stimson (1881)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

In English law. The signature of the king to grants or letters patent, inscribed at the top. 2 Bl. Comm. 347*. Any one's name written by himself. Webster; Wharton. The sign manual is not good unless countersigned, etc. 9 Mod. 54. SIGN A (Lat.)

In civil law. Those species of indicia which come more immediately under the cognizance of the senses; such as stains of blood on the person of one accused of murder, indications of terror at being charged with the offense, and the like. Signa, although not to be rejected as instruments of evidence, cannot always be relied upon as conclusive evidence, for they are frequently explained away. In the instance mentioned, the blood may have been that of a beast; and expressions of terror have been frequently manifested by innocent persons who did not possess much firmness. See Best, Pres. Ev. 13, note (f ); Denisart. SIGNARE (Lat.)

In the civil law. To seal; to affix a seal; to confirm by a seal.

In old English law. To seal a measure. Fleta, lib. 2, c. 82, § 1. SIGNATORIUS ANNULUS (Lat.)

In the civil law. A signet ring; a seal ring. Dig. 50. 16. 74.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

The king’s signature on instruments such as letters patent.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

In English Law. The signature of the king to grants or letters patent, inscribed at the top. 2 Sharsw. Bla. Com. 347*. The sign manual is not good unless countersigned, etc.; 9 Mod. 54. Any one’s name written by himself. Webster, Diet.; Wharton, Law Diet. SIGNA (Lat.). In Civil Law. Those species of indicia which come more immediately under the cognizance of the senses: such as, stains of blood on the person of one accused of murder, indications of terror at being charged with the offence, and the like.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

In English law. The signature or subscription of the king is termed his "sign-manual." There is this difference between what the sovereign does under the sign manual and what he or she does under the great seal, viz., that the former is done as a personal act of the sovereign; the latter as an act of state. Brown.

Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law

Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881

The royal signature, written at the top.