(one's) John Hancock

slang One's signature. John Hancock, an influential figure in the American Revolution, is known for his especially large and legible signature on the Declaration of Independence. As soon as you put your John Hancock on these papers, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! I would never have put my John Hancock on such an unfavorable contract—I think my signature was forged. We're going to need your John Hancock on this contract to make the deal official.

See also: Hancock, john

John Hancock

Also, John Henry. One's signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line. This expression alludes to John Hancock's prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for "Hancock." [Mid-1800s]

See also: Hancock, john

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

John Hancock

n. one’s signature. (Refers to the signature of John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Put your John Hancock right here, if you don’t mind.

See also: Hancock, john

John Hancock

One’s signature. John Hancock was the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence and did so in an exceptionally large, clear hand. Indeed, he supposedly remarked, “I guess King George will be able to read that” (July 4, 1776). In the mid-nineteenth century his name was transferred to anyone’s signature.

See also: Hancock, john

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References in periodicals archive

"What can I say about the legendary John Henry that has not already been said?" said the former jockey.

Horse Racing: 'He did so much for racing that he will be impossible to replace'

John Henry Wigmore was dean of the Northwestern University School of Law.

John Henry Wigmore and the Rules of Evidence: The Hidden Origins of Modern Law

Niamh Anderson, |from John Henry Newman Catholic College, going to Birmingham Metropole Hilton Hotel

Your prom pics

But owners John Henry and Tom Werner, along with director Mike Gordon, want to stick to the policy of developing young talent, and imposing a sensible wage structure on the playing staff where possible.

Rodgers to face a Kop inquest

(12) Numerous contemporary American authors have sought to be receptive to and to textually render the 'echoes' of such 'new conversations.' One of the most fascinating contemporary works to delve into the complexities, silences, and conflicts of American history in this fashion is Colson Whitehead's John Henry Days (2002), a novel that among other things constitutes a secret history of the (African) American post-bellum era.

'This making of truth is violence too, out of which facts are formed: Colson Whitehead's secret history of post-reconstruction America in John Henry Days

John Henry's Hammer Coffeehouse will begin its fall concert series with some stirring sounds of bluegrass.

John Henry's Hammer kicks off with some bluegrass

25 October 2013 - US multimedia news and information firm The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) said it had wrapped up the USD70m (EUR50.7m) cash sale of its New England Media Group to an acquisition company owned by John Henry.

New York Times finalises New England Media Group offload

by John Henry McNamee In our popular slot aimed at turning the spotlight on budding authors, John Henry McNamee shares the story that led to the publication of his first book.

I Wrote A Book! The Dark Prophecy of the Shadow: The Darkness Chronicles

"This beer is like a liquid forest, so piney, so fresh and good," said guest taster John Henry.

Daytime Fractional IPA Lagunitas Brewing Co. Petaluma, CA

On January 2, 1997, John Henry Hart was sworn in as a district judge in Midland, continuing a legacy of Hart family members who have served in Michigan's judicial ranks since the 19th century.

A heritage of Harts

John Henry Bond, 56, is from the south of England but has lived recently at Shields Road, in Morpeth.

Police plea in fraud probe

Spirit of Shankly, who led the protests against the despised former regime of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have written to principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner.

Fans want Henry to explain strategy

HUMPHREYS John Henry (Jack) Suddenly in hospital on March 31, Jack aged 88 years (formerly of Fairfield, Stockton).

DEATHS

John Henry Stanley, a leading contractor in Columbia, SC, launches his website and Facebook page to introduce his newly formed construction company.

Remodeling Professional Launches John Henry Stanley Construction, LLC