from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
CLERICAL ERROR. An error made by a clerk in transcribing or otherwise. This
is always readily corrected by the court. 2. An error, for example, in the
teste of a fi. fa.; 4 Yeates, 185, 205; or in the teste and return of a
vend. exp.; 1 Dall. 197 or in writing Dowell for McDowell. 1 Serg. & R. 120;
8 Rep. 162 a; 9 Serg. & R. 284, 5. An error is amendable where there is
something to amend by, and this even in a criminal case. 2 Bin. 5-16; 5
Burr. 2667; 1 Bin. 367-9; Dougl. 377; Cowp. 408. For the party ought not to
be harmed by the omission of the clerk; 3 Bin. 102; even of his signature,
if he affixes the seal. 1 Serg. & R. 97.