E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bill (A).
The draft of an Act of Parliament.
1
A public bill is the draft of an Act of Parliament affecting the general public.
2
A private bill is the draft of an Act of Parliament for the granting of something to a company, corporation, or certain individuals.
3
A true bill. I confess what you say is true. The case against the accused is first submitted to the grand jury. If they think the charge has a fair colour, they write on the declaration “A true bill,” and the case is submitted to the petty jury. Otherwise, they write “No true bill,” or “Not found,” and the case is at once dismissed or “ignored.”
4
To ignore a bill is to write on it ignoramus.
5
“‘Ignoramus’ is the word properly used by the Grand Enquest … and written upon the bill.”—Cowell.
Bills payable. Bills of exchange, promissory notes, or other documents promising to pay a sum of money.
6
Bills receivable. Promissory notes, bills of exchange, or other acceptances held by a person to whom the money stated is payable.
