deed poll

American  

[pohl] / poʊl /

noun

Law.

deeds poll plural

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

She would later change her surname from Vedad - that of her biological mother - to Whitbread by deed poll to mark her new life.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

He changed his real name by deed poll before he was officially charged so he could protect his privacy.

From BBC • May 7, 2022

Anyone who has visited Fratton Park over the last 30-odd years is likely to have seen and heard John Anthony Portsmouth Football Club Westwood, who changed his name by deed poll in 1989.

From The Guardian • Mar. 13, 2019

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

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

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell