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From: "Judith Werner" <>
Subject: [OEL] GLOSSARY: tabellion
Date: Sat, 4 May 2002 22:24:31 -0700

We haven't had one of these in a long time. I'll try to post them more
or less regularly, but then I've said that before (several times).


tabellion [tabellioun, tabellyo(u)n] (Obsolete)

A scrivener, a kind of subordinate notary. In the 17-18th centuries, a
recognized designation of a vocation in England and New England.

1413 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton), i. xxi. (1859) 21
I my self wyl only be wryter and tabellyon of al that he wyl sey.

1469 Sc. Acts Jas. III (1814), II. 95
His hienes may mak notaris & tabellionis.

1622 Malynes, Anc. Law-Merch., 198
A Notarie is called a Tabellion, Scriuenor, or a publike seruant.

1656 in Thurloe St. Papers, V. 401
We do certify that Rob. Wickenden..is notary and tabellion public in
this port of Dover.

1735 in C. Hazard, Life T. Hazard (1893) 229,
I Joseph Marion Notary and Tabellion Publick Dwelling in Boston in New
England.

1755 N. Magens, Insurances II. 71
To make the Assurance before a Justice, Notary, Tabellion, or other
public Person.


>From Oxford English Dictionary.


Judith Werner
Administrator, OLD-ENGLISH
Hayward, California, USA

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• [OEL] GLOSSARY: tabellion by "Judith Werner" <>