Definition of "bill of exchange" [bill of exchange]

• A written order directing that a specified sum of money be paid to a specified person. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Robert Carter writes to William Dawkins, June 3, 1727, to advise the London merchant of a bill of exchange drawn on him payable to George Braxton."
• "Robert Carter writes to Weymouth merchant Edward Tucker, June 3, 1727, giving him details of the activities of his ships in the colony, and advising him of a bill of exchange drawn on him payable to George Braxton."
• "Robert Carter writes to London merchant Thomas Corbin, April 2, 1707, that the executors of Ralph Wormeley, of which he is one, have drawn a bill of exchange on Corbin to his cousin, Chicheley Corbin Thacker, which will not be sent before the next fleet."