notary

Meaning

Noun

  • A lawyer of noncontentious private civil law who drafts, takes, and records legal instruments for private parties, and provides legal advice, but does not appear in court on his or her clients' behalf.
  • A public notary, a legal practitioner who prepares, attests to, and certifies documents, witnesses affidavits, and administers oaths.
  • A notary public, a public officer who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, but who is not authorised to practise law.

Related

Similar words

Origin

  • From Middle English notarie, from Old French notarie (French notaire), from Latin notārius.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.