figures

Arabic \Ar"a*bic\, a. [L. Arabicus, fr. Arabia.]
   Of or pertaining to Arabia or the Arabians.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Arabic numerals} or {figures}, the nine digits, 1, 2, 3,
      etc., and the cipher 0.

   {Gum arabic}. See under {Gum}.
      [1913 Webster]
    

FIGURES, Numerals. They are either Roman, made with letters of the Alphabet, 
for example, MIDCCLXXVI; or they are Arabic, as follows, 1776. 
     2. Roman figures may be used in contracts and law proceedings, and they 
will be held valid; but Arabic figures, probably owing to the case with 
which they may be counterfeited, or. altered, have been holden not to be 
sufficient to express the sum due on a contract; but, it seems, that if the 
amount payable and due on a promissory note be expressed in figures or 
ciphers, it will be valid. Story on Bills, Sec. 42, note; Story, Prom. 
Notes, Sec. 21. Indictments have been set aside because the day or year was 
expressed in figures. 13 Vin Ab. 210; 1 Ch. Rep. 319; S. C. 18 Eng. Com. Law 
Rep. 95. 
     3. Bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheeks and agreements of every 
description, are usually dated with Arabic figures; it is, however, better 
to date deeds and other formal instruments, by writing the words at length. 
Vide l Ch. Cr. L. 176; 1 Verm. R. 336; 5 Toull. n. 336; 4 Yeates, R. 278; 2 
John. R. 233; 1 How. Mis. 256; 6 Blackf., 533.