The Collaborative International Dictionary
Promissory \Prom"is*so*ry\, a. Containing a promise or binding declaration of something to be done or forborne.
Promissory note (Law), a written promise to pay to some
person named, and at a time specified therein, or on
demand, or at sight, a certain sum of money, absolutely
and at all events; -- frequently called a note of hand.
--Kent. Byles. Story.
Wiktionary
n. (context now archaic English) A written guarantee to pay or repay a given sum; a receipt; a promissory note.
WordNet
n. a promise to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time; "I had to co-sign his note at the bank" [syn: note, promissory note]
Usage examples of "note of hand".
Which when the young man had found and showed, he not only rebutted the wrongful claim of a false debt, but also got back his father's note of hand, which the father had not got back when the money was paid.
Lawson was on board at the time, and at once surrendered the guns receiving a note of hand for six hundred pounds, as suggested by General Forster, with which he appeared perfectly satisfied.