Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Tally

Y, or TALLY. A stick cut lnto two parts, on each whereof is marked, with notches or otherwise, what is due between debtor and creditor. It was the ancient mode of keeping accounts, one part was held by the creditor, and the other by the debtor. The use of tallies in the exchequer was abolished by St. 23 Geo. III. c. 82, and the old tallies were ordered to be destroyed by St 4 & 5 wm. IV. c. 15. wharton

Source: Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)