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chirographic

chirographic

9.9
A debt not backed by property
  • adjective
  • /ˌkaɪrəˈɡræfɪk/
  • Formal
translation icon : quirografario
  • The court classified the loan as chirographic because it was not backed by any property.

Examples

  • A chirographic claim may be riskier for lenders since there is no collateral involved.

  • Investors were cautious about the chirographic nature of the company's outstanding debts.

  • The loan was classified as chirographic due to the lack of collateral.

  • Many investors prefer chirographic claims for their flexibility.

  • The bank considered the loan chirographic since it was not secured by any assets.

  • Lenders often charge higher interest rates for chirographic claims because they involve greater risk.

  • Due to its chirographic nature, the debt could lead to potential losses for investors.

Synonyms

unsecured
vschirographic
  • Specialized
12 6.8

Not protected by property the lender can take if the borrower does not pay

is a technical legal label used for those debts in law and finance
unguaranteed
vschirographic
7.1

Not protected by a promise that someone will pay back the money

focuses on lack of collateral rather than absence of third party backing

Surface Forms

chirographic positive

Morphology

chirographic = chiro + graphic (opaque) = chiro + graphic

The components 'chiro' and 'graphic' do not transparently convey the specific legal meaning of 'unsecured debt'.

Etymology

The word chirographic comes from the Greek parts chiro- 'hand' and -graph 'write', so think of a 'handwritten' promise. In law and money, a chirographic debt was just a signed note not backed by property, which is why it means an 'unsecured' claim.