chirograph
noun
chi·ro·graph
ˈkīrəˌgraf
plural -s
1
: any of various legal instruments formally written or signed: such as
a
: an indenture formerly made in duplicate on one sheet, the sheet or parchment being divided and often the word chirographum written in where the division was made
b
: the indenture of a fine of lands
also : one of the counterparts of such an indenture
c
: an obligation (as a bond or note) given in one's own handwriting
2
: an apostolic letter in the handwriting and with the signature of the pope
Word History
Etymology
Middle French chirographe, from Latin chirographum autograph, that which is written with one's own hand, from neuter of Greek cheirographos written with the hand, from cheir- chir- + -graphos -graph