I am trying to figure out what abbreviations meant in early documents from land registry books. Specifically, there is an abbreviation that looks something like "B&P" which is neither a mortgage nor a deed transfer (those are clear). One example: Original patent to John Lemmon, Donald Cameron B&P Dec 10 1814 to Donald McDonald is the next line, John Lemmon et al to Donald Cameron B&P April 1 1814 is the third line

[From Bob] It wouldn't mean Bought & Paid?

[From Patty] In Brenda Dougall Merriman's book Genealogy in Ontario, there is a really good section on Land Records. I did not find B&P, but I did find B&S-meaning "bargain and sale". Perhaps this is a variation of that. There are other abbreviations-M for mortgage, QC or Rel for Quit Claims or Releases, A of M or D/M for assignmnets and discharges of mortgages, etc. Now what those all mean I have no idea! Hope it helps...

[From Andrew] The nearest I can figure is that it's a legal acronym for "Bid and Proposal". If you see this link and near the bottom it references B. & P. as part of the case law about indemnification of debt when that debt must shared amongst two parties so involved in the transaction. This is not the only place that B&P shows up as part of land transactions, but seemed to be a concrete example. Also it could be Business and Profession - but that seems highly unlikely, and hardly relevant. Hope this can help. Andrew

[From Anonymous] I do believe that should be B&S which would mean bought and sold.