WRITERS TO THE SIGNET  , in

Scotland, a society of law agents corresponding to solicitors in England . They were originally clerks in the secretary of state's office and prepared the different writings passing the signet; every summons is still signed on its last page by a writer to the signet . By the Titles to Land Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1868, they have the exclusive privilege of preparing all crown writs, charters, precepts, &c., from the sovereign or the prince of Scotland . They have no charter but are usually considered a corporation by long custom; they have office-bearers and are members of the College of Justice . On the Act of Union there was much debate as to whether writers to the signet should be eligible to the Scottish bench . It was finally decided that they should be eligible aften ten years' practice . But, with the exception of Hamilton of Pencaitland in 1712, no writer to the signet has ever had a seat on the bench . 3 A reference to Du Cange will show the great variety of ,the non-legal uses of brevis or breve . It may mean, inter alia, an annual rent, an amulet, a notice of the death of a monk . Brevetum signified what are now known as ship's papers .