countersign
countersign Lexical Profile
countersign Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To sign a document that has already been signed by someone else in order to verify its authenticity or confirm its validity.
"The treasurer must countersign all checks exceeding five thousand dollars."
• noun
A signature added to a document that has already been signed by another person, serving to authenticate or ratify it.
"The contract requires the countersign of the department director before the funds can be released."
A secret word, phrase, or signal given in response to a guard's challenge in order to be allowed to pass.
"The night watchman demanded the countersign before opening the heavy iron gate."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French contresigne (noun) and contresigner (verb), formed from contre- ('against, opposite') and signe ('sign, mark'), from Latin signum.