Deed

n. [A-S. dæd, O. Sax. & Icel. dad, D. & Dan. daad, Sw. dād, Goth. deds, O. H. Ger. tat, N. H. Ger. that, from A-S. don, to do, D. doen, Ger. thun.] 1. That which is done, acted, or effected; an act; a fact;—a word of extensive application, including whatever is done, good or bad, great or small. And Joseph said to them, What deed is this which ye have done? Gen. xliv. 15. We receive the due reward of our deeds. Luke xxi. 41. 2. Illustrious act; achievement; exploit. “Knightly deeds.” Spenser. Whose deeds some nobler poem shall adorn. Dryden. 3. Power of action; agency; efficiency. With will and deed created free. Milton. 4. (Law.) A sealed instrument in writing, on paper or parchment, duly executed and delivered, containing some transfer, bargain, or contract. The term is generally applied to conveyances of real estate, and it is the prevailing doctrine that it must be signed as well as sealed, though at common law signing was formerly not necessary. In deed, or indeed, in fact; in truth; verily.