noun
notary
NOH-tuh-ree/ˈnəʊtəri/
an official authorized to witness signatures and certify documents
The notary witnesses the signature and certifies the document with an embossed seal.
Etymology
A notary was originally a professional note-taker or clerk who recorded other people's acts and prepared deeds. That record-making role developed into official authority to authenticate legal documents.
In context
I signed where indicated Marcus signed the notary applied her seal and dated the record
More examples
- We need a notary to witness our signatures.
- The notary stamps the document and returns it to me.
- Two notaries at the bank offer appointments on Saturdays.
Forms
notary · notaries
notarize verb — to certify officially as a notary
notarization noun — official certification performed by a notary
Similar words
- notary public
- The full title for the same document-certifying official.