paraph

[ par-uhf, puh-raf ]

noun

1. a flourish made after a signature, as in a document, originally as a precaution against forgery.

paraph

/ ˈpærəf /

noun

1. a flourish after a signature, originally to prevent forgery

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraph¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English paraf, paraffe, from Middle French paraphe, paraffe “abbreviated signature; paragraph mark,” by syncope of paragraphe “section of text; paragraph sign”; paragraph )

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraph¹

C14: via French from Medieval Latin paraphus, variant of paragraphus paragraph

Example Sentences

A capital P crossed with a line or paraph is another Faventine mark, and a somewhat similar monogram, with an S added to the upper part, is found in the wares of Cafaggiolo.

From Project Gutenberg

It glideth to the headstone bare, And signs it with a paraph wild, And hangs a wreath of bones to glare Upon the charnel death-defiled.

From Project Gutenberg

"Yes, he bears the royal arms on his shield, but yet, if we remember rightly, the crown and paraph of our ancestor Edward the Third are wanting."

From Project Gutenberg

"He has now added this crown and this paraph to his coat-of-arms," said Miss Holland.

From Project Gutenberg