countersign

[ noun verb koun-ter-sahyn; verb koun-ter-sahyn ]

noun

1. a sign used in reply to another sign.
2. Military. a secret sign that must be given by authorized persons seeking admission through a guarded area.
3. a signature added to another signature, especially for authentication.

verb (used with object)

1. to sign (a document that has been signed by someone else), especially in confirmation or authentication.

countersign

verb

1. tr to sign (a document already signed by another)

noun

1. Also calledcountersignature the signature so written
2. a secret sign given in response to another sign
3. military a password

Word History and Origins

Origin of countersign¹

1585–95; counter- + sign, modeled on Middle French contresigne, or its source, Old Italian contrasegno

Example Sentences

A pub licensee was also found to countersign the application.

From BBC

Mr. Noll said that during events or lectures at the Treasury Department with former secretaries, attendees would often bring money to be “countersigned” next to their name on the note.

From New York Times

Fourteen men suspected of receiving the passports or helping to countersign documents were arrested in Kent, Essex and Merseyside.

From BBC

Also, consumers should never leave a dealership without having a clear countersigned copy of the financing agreement or lease agreement they entered into with the dealer.

From Seattle Times

The law also says the governor must countersign any checks used to pay for the inquiry, which the Legislature is supposed to provide funds for.

From New York Times