Recital

A formal statement appearing in a legal document such as a deed that is preliminary in nature and provides an explanation of the reasons for the transaction.

The recital in a deed, for example, might indicate the reasons why the owner is selling the property.

In PLEADING, a recital is the statement of matter that is introductory to a positive allegation; it begins with the words, "For that whereas …" and is followed by the claim of the party.