Page "Deed poll" Paragraph 3

The term " deed ", also known in this context as a " specialty ", is common to signed written undertakings not supported by consideration: the seal ( even if not a literal wax seal but only a notional one referred to by the execution formula, " signed, sealed and delivered ", or even merely " executed as a deed ") is deemed to be the consideration necessary to support the obligation.

" Poll " is an archaic legal term referring to documents with straight edges ; these distinguished a deed binding only one person from one affecting more than a single person ( an " indenture ", so named during the time when such agreements would be written out repeatedly on a single sheet, then the copies separated by being irregularly torn or cut, i. e. " indented ", so that each party had a document with corresponding tears, to discourage forgery ).