John Hancock

[ jon han-kok ]

noun

1. 1737–93, American statesman: first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
2. Informal. a person's signature:

   Put your John Hancock on this check.

John Hancock

noun

1. informal.
   a person's signature Also calledJohn Henry

   put your John Hancock on this form

Hancock, John

¹

1. A political leader of the eighteenth century. He was president of the Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed, and was the first to sign it, which he did with a large, flamboyant signature.

John Hancock

²

1. A signature: “Please help us out and put your John Hancock on our petition.” The expression refers to the bold signature that John Hancock wrote on the Declaration of Independence .

Notes

A “John Hancock” is a signature.

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Hancock¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50, so called from the boldness and legibility of John Hancock's signature

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Hancock¹

after John Hancock , from his clear and legible signature on the American Declaration of Independence

Idioms and Phrases

Also, John Henry . One's signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line . This expression alludes to John Hancock's prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for “Hancock.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

At the weekend, her only son, John Hancock, 36, went public, upbraiding his mother for failing to provide security for her family.

From The Daily Beast

John Hancock elected president of congress; he succeeded Peyton Randolph in that office.

From Project Gutenberg

John Hancock offered one of his vessels, free of charge, to re-ship the tea then stored in Boston.

From Project Gutenberg

The town meeting, held on the 5th of November, was fully attended, and was presided over by John Hancock.

From Project Gutenberg

"Here is one whose looks show a very different character," observed Laurence, turning to the portrait of John Hancock.

From Project Gutenberg

Casting the handle of a sugar basin for John Hancock, he seriously burns his right hand.

From Project Gutenberg