term:

Negotiable Instrument

negotiable instrument n

: a transferable instrument (as a note, check, or draft) containing an unconditional promise or order to pay to a holder or to the order of a holder upon issue, possession, demand, or at a specified time [was determined to be a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument] see also bearer, holder in due course

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.