Chirograph
Encyclopedia
A chirograph is the term given to a medieval document, which has been written in duplicate
, triplicate
or very occasionally quadruplicate on a single piece of parchment, where the Latin word "chirographum" (or equivalent) has been written across the middle, and then cut through. By this means both parties to an agreement could possess a copy of its written record, and each copy could be verified as genuine through introduction to, and comparison with, the other. The cut itself would often be made to produce a wavy or serrated edge, in order to further reduce the scope for forgery, and this practice gave rise to the document description "indenture
", since these edges would be said to be "indented". The earliest surviving portion of a chirograph in England dates from the middle of the ninth century.
A more restricted use of the term "chirograph" is to describe a papal
decree
whose circulation—unlike an encyclical
—is limited to the Roman curia
.
Duplicate
Duplicate is an Indian Bollywood film released on May 8, 1998. The movie was directed by Mahesh Bhatt and stars Shahrukh Khan in a double role opposite Juhi Chawla and Sonali Bendre. It was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and marks Shahrukh's first of five collaborations with the...
, triplicate
Triplicate
Triplicate was an American Thoroughbred racehorse. He was sired by the 1928 American Horse of the Year and U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee, Reigh Count. His dam was Fairday, a daughter of another Hall of Fame inductee, Fair Play...
or very occasionally quadruplicate on a single piece of parchment, where the Latin word "chirographum" (or equivalent) has been written across the middle, and then cut through. By this means both parties to an agreement could possess a copy of its written record, and each copy could be verified as genuine through introduction to, and comparison with, the other. The cut itself would often be made to produce a wavy or serrated edge, in order to further reduce the scope for forgery, and this practice gave rise to the document description "indenture
Indenture
An indenture is a legal contract reflecting a debt or purchase obligation, specifically referring to two types of practices: in historical usage, an indentured servant status, and in modern usage, an instrument used for commercial debt or real estate transaction.-Historical usage:An indenture is a...
", since these edges would be said to be "indented". The earliest surviving portion of a chirograph in England dates from the middle of the ninth century.
A more restricted use of the term "chirograph" is to describe a papal
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
decree
Decree
A decree is a rule of law issued by a head of state , according to certain procedures . It has the force of law...
whose circulation—unlike an encyclical
Encyclical
An encyclical was originally a circular letter sent to all the churches of a particular area in the ancient Catholic Church. At that time, the word could be used for a letter sent out by any bishop...
—is limited to the Roman curia
Roman Curia
The Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the central governing body of the entire Catholic Church, together with the Pope...
.
External links
- Chirographs, Indentures and Final Concords Medieval Writing. Retrieved on August 7 2008.
- Vatican page on Chirographs