deed poll

American  

[pohl] / poʊl /

noun

Law.

plural

deeds poll

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

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deed poll British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of deed poll

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Sport was her "saviour", and through it she met javelin coach Margaret Whitbread - eventually being fostered by the Whitbread family and changing her surname by deed poll.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

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

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

Day - who changed his name from Ashley to Flash by deed poll - Hynes and the teenager will be sentenced in June.

From BBC • May 25, 2017

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

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell