deed poll

American  

[pohl] / poʊl /

noun

Law.

plural

deeds poll

1. a deed signed and executed only by the grantor.

---

deed poll British  

noun

1. law a deed made by one party only, esp one by which a person changes his name

---

Etymology

Origin of deed poll

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Kaiser changed it by deed poll years ago, borrowing inspiration from Keyser Söze, the character in the film The Usual Suspects who has a double life.

From The Guardian • Jun. 28, 2018

Ms Ziuzina, who lives in Marbella and has changed her name by deed poll to Julianna Moore, was not in court in London.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2017

A smiley care worker from Liverpool, Benson recently changed his middle name by deed poll to I Love Spam.

From The Guardian • Jul. 22, 2017

Mr Fishfinger, a rival candidate who changed his name by deed poll, stood directly behind Farron and pulled faces during his speech.

From Time • Jun. 9, 2017

I'd have to change my name by deed poll, but Dad’d never let me.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell