court hand

American  

noun

1. a style of handwriting formerly used in the English law courts.

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court hand British  

noun

1. a style of handwriting formerly used in English law courts

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Etymology

Origin of court hand

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

It was carefully prepared and written in what is known as a court hand, likely belonging to a professional scribe, who might have been a member of the King’s government department or Chancery.

From Reuters • Mar. 26, 2019

He said the document was carefully prepared and written in what was known as a "court hand", probably by a member of the king's government department or chancery.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2019

Rarely does the court hand down a ruling of such constitutional magnitude—and seldom do all nine justices agree to restrict the power that police and prosecutors exert over individuals.

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2019

Hearings were set to determine how their assets should be divided, but the day they were to begin, Mr. Brant and Ms. Seymour waltzed into court hand in hand and announced they were reconciling.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2018

In the court hand the respondent exceeded the appellant, and likewise in the set text; and in bastard secretary was also somewhat perfecter.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac