figures

2 definitions found

figures - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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 - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  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.