indorsement

Literally, as derived from the Latin "indorsa," a writing on the back; employed in common as well as legal usage to designate the transaction whereby the holder of a bill or note transfers his right to such instrument to another person and incurs the liabilities incident to the transfer under the law. 11 Am J2d B & N § 349. The writing of one's own name on the back of a negotiable instrument, whereby one not only transfers one's full legal title to the paper but likewise enters into a contract, implied or express, dependent upon whether or not the signing of the name is accompanied by other words, and the particular words used, such as an implied guaranty that the instrument will be paid. Glaser v Connell, 47 Wash 2d 622, 289 P2d 364. An additional contract on the instrument; a new, independent, and substantive contract. 11 Am J2d B & N § 349. (For liability of indorser, see 11 Am J2d B & N §§ 598 et seq.) Signing one's name on the face of a bill or note with words indicating the character of the signature as an indorsement or the character of the signer as an indorser. Peoples Nat. Bank v Dicks, 258 Mich 441, 242 NW 825. A signature on a security in registered form or on a separate document assigning or transferring the security or granting a power to assign or transfer it, or the mere signature on the back of a security of a person having the right or authority to assign or transfer the instrument or empower another person to assign or transfer it. UCC § 8308(1). Broadly, a writing on the back of an instrument for any purpose, not necessarily the purpose of transfer or assumption of liability. 11 Am J2d B & N § 349. Technically confined to the theory of negotiability, but commonly used in application to the writing of a name on the back of a nonnegotiable instrument. Bank of America v Butterfield, 77 SD 170, 88 NW2d 909. A signature upon the back of a will. 57 Am J1st Wills § 263. Most broadly, a writing upon either the back or margin of an instrument, for example, a writing indicating part payment. 34 Am J1st Lim Ac § 347. The marking of an envelope which contains a deposition to indicate such content and the title of the cause. 23 Am J2d Dep § 82. See backing; blank indorsement; for account of; for clearing house purposes only; for collection; for deposit; full indorsement; general indorsement; guaranty of previous indorsements; irregular endorsement; previous indorsements guaranteed; proper indorsement; qualified indorsement; regular indorsement; restrictive indorsement; special endorsement; transfer by indorsement; usual course of business; waiver of presentment; waiver of protest; without recourse.