sign manual

English

Etymology

From sign + manual, probably after Middle French signe manuel.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌsʌɪn ˈmanjʊəl/

Noun

sign manual (plural signs manual)

1. An authentic signature; (especially), the signature of a sovereign, used to validate a formal document. [from 15th c.]
   • 1789, Edward Gibbon, Memoirs of My Life, Penguin, published 1990, page 124:

     We were undeceived by the King's sign manual for our embodying, which was issued May 10th 1760.