promissory note, unconditional written promise to pay a certain sum of money at a definite time to bearer or to a specified person on his order. Promissory notes are generally used as evidence of debt. The holder of a note made payable to bearer may transfer his rights to another by delivery of the note. If the note is payable to order, it may be transferred by endorsement and delivery.

Short-term credit instrument consisting of a written promise by one person to pay a specified amount of money to another on demand or at a given future date. Promissory notes were in use in Europe as early as the Renaissance. They are often negotiable and may be secured by the pledge of collateral. The instrument changed substantially during the 20th century, when various clauses were added regarding payment and other provisions—for example, authorizing the sale of collateral, permitting extensions of time, and allowing acceleration of payment in the event of default. Seealso bill of exchange.

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