DATE, an addition or appendage in writings, acts, instruments, letters, &c. expressing the day and month of the year when the act or letter was passed or signed; together with the place where the same was done. The word is formed from the Latin datum, "given," the participle of do, "I give."
Our ancient deeds had no dates, but only the month and year, to signify that they were not made in haste, or in the space of a day, but upon longer and more mature deliberation. The king's grants began with
these words, Præsentibus et futuris, &c. but the grants of private persons with Omnibus, præsentibus literas inspecturis, &c.
A deed is good, though it mentions no date or hath a false date; or even if it hath an impossible date, as the 30th of February: provided the real day of its being dated or given, that is, delivered, can be proved. Blackst. Com. vol. ii. p. 304.