notaire

notary

noun noh-TEHR Rare

Usage Note

Notaire in France is a public official (not just a private lawyer) appointed by the state to draft, authenticate, and archive legal documents such as property deeds, wills, and marriage contracts. Their signature gives a document force exécutoire (legal enforceability). The profession is an important institution in French civil life; many property transactions legally require a notaire.

Examples

"Il faut passer chez le notaire pour la vente."

Natural Translation

We need to go to the notary for the sale.

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