deed
UK: diːd | US: diːd
n. an action or act, especially one that is intentional or morally significant
n. a legal document that records ownership or agreement
The word "deed" originates from Old English "dēd," meaning "act, action, or event." It is derived from the Proto-Germanic *dēdiz, which shares roots with Old Saxon "dād," Old High German "tāt," and Gothic "gadēþs." The term has retained its core meaning of "an action" over centuries, later expanding to include legal contexts (e.g., property deeds) where it signifies a documented act or agreement.
His brave deed saved the child from drowning.
She signed the deed to transfer ownership of the house.
A good deed often goes unnoticed.
The deed to the land was stored in a secure vault.
The knight's heroic deeds were celebrated in songs.