memorandum

memorandum
    n 1: a written proposal or reminder [syn: {memo}, {memorandum},
         {memoranda}]
    

Memorandum \Mem`o*ran"dum\, n.; pl. E. {Memorandums}, L.
   {Memoranda}. [L., something to be remembered, neut. of
   memorandus, fut. pass. p. of memorare. See {Memorable}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. A record of something which it is desired to remember; a
      note to help the memory.
      [1913 Webster]

            I . . . entered a memorandum in my pocketbook.
                                                  --Guardian.
      [1913 Webster]

            I wish you would, as opportunity offers, make
            memorandums of the regulations of the academies.
                                                  --Sir J.
                                                  Reynolds.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Law) A brief or informal note in writing of some
      transaction, or an outline of an intended instrument; an
      instrument drawn up in a brief and compendious form.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Memorandum check}, a check given as an acknowledgment of
      indebtedness, but with the understanding that it will not
      be presented at bank unless the maker fails to take it up
      on the day the debt becomes due. It usually has Mem.
      written on its face.
      [1913 Webster]
    

MEMORANDUM, insurance. A clause in a policy limiting the liability of the 
insurer. Its usual form is as follows, namely, "N. B. Corn, fish, salt, 
fruit, flour and seed, are warranted free from average, unless general, or 
the ship be stranded: sugar, tobacco, hemp, flax, hides and skins, are 
warranted free from average, under five percent; and all other goods, also 
the ship and freight, are warranted free from average, under three percent 
unless general, or the ship be stranded." Marsh. Ins.223; 5 N. S. 293; Id. 
540; 4 N. S. 640; 2 L. R. 433; Id. 435. 
    

MEMORANDUM. Literally, to be remembered. It is an informal instrument 
recording some fact or agreement, so called from its beginning, when it was 
made in Latin. It is sometimes commenced with this word, though written in 
English; as "Memorandum, that it is agreed," or it is headed with the words, 
"Be it remembered that," &c. The term memorandum is also applied to the 
clause of an instrument. 
    

43 Moby Thesaurus words for "memorandum":
      adversaria, aide-memoire, annotation, announcement, chit, cue,
      diary, directive, dispatch, docket, entry, epistle, flapper,
      footnote, hint, item, jogger, jotting, letter, marginal note,
      marginalia, memo, memoir, memorial, message, minute, minutes,
      missive, notation, note, notice, prompt, prompter, prompting,
      record, register, registry, remembrance, remembrancer, reminder,
      scholia, scholium, tickler