Dictionary definition(s) for: attestation

• n., [diplomatics] An intrinsic element of documentary form that comprises the written validation of a record (by subscription, superscription or any identifying sign having such function) by those who took part in the issuing of it (author, writer, countersigner) and by witnesses to the action or to the signing of the record.
  [ Archives - The InterPARES 1 Project Glossary , Page: 356 ]
  Duranti, Luciana, ed. The Long-term Preservation of Authentic Electronic Records: Findings of the InterPARES Project. San Miniato, Italy: Archilab, 2005. Also available online at http://interpares.org/book.
  See Also:

  • Ontology A
• n., A concluding portion of a document, especially a formal record, signed by witnesses and often containing language intended to strengthen the presumption that all statutory requirements have been met.
  [ Archives - A Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology (The Society of American Archivists) ]
  Pearce-Moses, Richard. A Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005. http://www.archivists.org/glossary/index.asp
• n., The signature of witnesses to the making of a will or deed. Under the Wills Act 1837 as amended the testator must acknowledge his signature (see acknowledgment) in the presence of two witnesses who must each sign (attest) at the same time in the testator's presence. The signature of each party to a deed must be attested by one witness.
  [ Government - A Dictionary of Law ]
  A Dictionary of Law. Ed. Elizabeth A. Martin. Oxford University Press, 2002. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. University of British Columbia. 4 August 2006 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t49.e261
• n., The subscription of those who took part in the issuing of the document (author, writer, coutersigner, and of witnesses to the enactment or the subscription). Usually, the subscription takes the form of a signature, but this is not always so; for example telegrams and electronic mail messages present subscriptions which are not signatures.
  [ Archives - Diplomatics: New Uses for an Old Science , Page: 149 ]
  Duranti, Luciana. Diplomatics: New Uses for an Old Science. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 1998.