|səbˌnōˈtāshən noun
Etymology: Late Latin subnotation-, subnotatio act of signing underneath, from Latin subnotatus (past participle of subnotare to mark underneath, from sub- + notare to mark, sign, note) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at note
: a written answer to an inquiry addressed by a private citizen upon some matter of law or policy to an emperor, sovereign, or pope