In old English law. A deed or indenture; also the last part of a fine of land. An instrument of gift or conveyance attested by the subscription and crosses of the witnesses, which was in Saxon times called CHIROGRAPH 198 CHOSE IN ACTION “chirographum,” and which, being somewhat changed in form and manner by the Normans, was by them styled “vharta.” Anciently when they made a chirograph or deed which required a counterpart, as we call it, they engrossed it twice upon one piece of parchment contrariwise, leaving a space between, in which they wrote in capital letters the word “chirograph,” and then cut the parchment in two through the middle of the word, giving a part to each party.
