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Webster 1913 Edition

Countersign

Counˊter-sign′

(-s?nˊ; 277)
,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Countersigned
(-s?ndˊ)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Countersigning
.]
[
Counter-
+
sign
: cf. F.
contresigner
.]
To sign on the opposite side of (an instrument or writing); hence, to sign in addition to the signature of a principal or superior, in order to attest the authenticity of a writing.

Coun′ter-signˊ

,
Adj.
1.
The signature of a secretary or other officer to a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest its authenticity.
2.
(Mil.)
A private signal, word, or phrase, which must be given in order to pass a sentry; a watchword.

Webster 1828 Edition

Countersign

COUNTERSIGN

,
Verb.
T.
[counter and sign.] Literally, to sign on the opposite side of an instrument or writing; hence, to sign, as secretary or other subordinate officer, a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest the authenticity of the writing. Thus charters signed by a king are countersigned by a secretary. Bank notes signed by the president are countersigned by the cashier.

COUNTERSIGN

,
Noun.
A private signal, word or phrase, given to soldiers on guard, with orders to let no man pass unless he first names that sign; a military watchword. Advance and give the countersign.

Definition 2024

countersign

countersign

English

Noun

countersign ‎(plural countersigns)

  1. a second signature added to a document to affirm the validity of the signature of the first person
  2. The response to a sign or signal.
    Only those who give the countersign may enter the Masonic Lodge.

Verb

countersign ‎(third-person singular simple present countersigns, present participle countersigning, simple past and past participle countersigned)

  1. (transitive) to sign on the opposite side of (a document)
  2. (transitive, by extension) to add a second signature to a document, affirming the validity of the signature of another person

Translations

Anagrams

Etymology

From Middle French contresigne

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