Signature
/ˈsɪɡ.nə.tʃər/noun
A person's name written in their own handwriting, used as a form of identification or authentication.
Did you know?The word 'signature' comes from the Latin 'signatura', meaning 'a marking', deeply rooted in the idea of personal power and identity.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
signatura
“A marking or sign, used in legal and personal contexts.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
signare
“To mark or seal, often used in the context of authority.”
Old French
Old French
signet
“A small seal used to authenticate documents.”
Middle English
Middle English
signatur
“A written mark or name, denoting authorship or agreement.”
Modern English
English
signature
“A personal mark or name, recognized for its role in identification.”