engrossed copy n. The final version of a document in its prescribed form, especially a bill passed by one chamber of a legislature.

engrossment noun (DOCUMENT) Add to word list [ C ] law specialized the final version of a legal document: The top copy should be retained and used as the engrossment if its terms are approved.

written or copied in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record: In the year 1776 Hopkinson voted for the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his signature to the engrossed copy of that memorable instrument.

engross a term used in conveyancing practice for preparing a final fair copy of a deed on whatever, for the time being, accepted as deed paper. Engrossing is the present participle and is also an obsolete term for the obsolete crime of FORESTALLING.

Engrossment was used in ancient law where the method of drawing up a written deed or contract involved working out a rough draft and then having the final terms of the instrument copied legibly onto parchment paper.