Legal Definitions - cyrographum

A cyrographum (pronounced sigh-ROG-ruh-fuhm), also commonly spelled chirograph, refers to a type of medieval legal document, typically a deed, contract, or agreement, that was written out multiple times on a single piece of parchment. To ensure authenticity and prevent forgery, this parchment was then cut into separate pieces, often along an irregular, indented, or wavy line. Each party to the agreement would receive one of these uniquely cut pieces. The distinctive cut served as a security feature, allowing the pieces to be matched later to verify the document's originality and validity.

• Example 1: Medieval Land Grant

  Imagine a scenario in 12th-century England where a powerful baron, Lord Alistair, wishes to formally grant a specific parcel of land to his loyal knight, Sir Gareth, for his service. To make this transfer legally binding and secure, a cyrographum would be prepared. The details of the land grant, including boundaries and conditions, would be meticulously written twice on a single sheet of parchment. This sheet would then be cut down the middle with a unique, often wavy or toothed, line. Lord Alistair would keep one half, and Sir Gareth would receive the other. If, years later, a dispute arose over the land's ownership, the two halves could be brought together and matched along their distinctive cut to unequivocally prove the authenticity of the original grant.

• Example 2: Merchant's Loan Agreement

  Consider a wealthy merchant in a bustling medieval city who lends a significant sum of money to a local artisan to expand their workshop. To formalize this debt and repayment schedule, they would create a cyrographum. The terms of the loan, including the amount, interest, and repayment dates, would be inscribed multiple times on a single piece of parchment. After the document was cut into two parts with an irregular edge, the merchant would retain one piece as proof of the debt, and the artisan would keep the other as a record of their obligations. This method ensured that both parties held an authentic, verifiable record, and the unique cut prevented either party from easily altering or denying the original agreement.

• Example 3: Feudal Service Contract

  In a feudal society, a lord might enter into an agreement with a skilled craftsman for a specific period of service, perhaps to build fortifications or create intricate artwork for his castle. This agreement, outlining the duration of service, compensation, and duties, could be documented as a cyrographum. The contract would be written out twice on a single piece of parchment and then divided with a unique, often jagged, cut. The lord would keep one part for his records, and the craftsman would hold the other. This allowed both parties to possess an authentic and verifiable copy of their contractual obligations, with the distinctive cut serving as a safeguard against any later claims of alteration or forgery.