negotiable instrument (redirected from bills of exchange)

A Commercial Paper, such as a check or promissory note, that contains the signature of the maker or drawer; an unconditional promise or order to pay a certain sum in cash that is payable either upon demand or at a specifically designated time to the order of a designated person or to its bearer.

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negotiable instrument n. check, promissory note, bill of exchange, security, or any document representing money payable which can be transferred to another by handing it over (delivery) and/or endorsing it (signing one's name on the back either with no instructions or directing it to another such as "pay to the order of Pamela Townsend.") (See: check, promissory note, bill of exchange)

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negotiable instrument noun bank check, bank note, bank paper, bill, bill of exchange, cashier's check, check, commercial instrument, commercial paper, commercial transition, debenture, draft, negotiable paper, note, personal check, promissory note
Associated concepts: dishonor, named payee presentment

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See also: coupon, debenture, draft, letter of credit, note, security, stock