The formal statement or setting forth of some matter of fact, in any deed or writing, in order to explain the reasons upon which the transaction is founded. The recitals are situated in the premises of a deed, that is, in that part of a deed between the date and the habendum, and they usually commence with the formal word “whereas.” Brown. The formal preliminary statement in a deed or other instrument, of such deeds, agreements, or matters of fact as are necessary to explain the reasons upon which the transaction is founded. 2 Bl. Comm. 298. In pleading. The statement of matter as introductory to some positive allegation, beginning in declarations with the words, “For that whereas.” Steph. PI. 38S, 389.