countersign
Noun · VerbOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group“he forgot the password”Synonyms: passwordwatchwordwordparoleType of positive identification, secret
- a second confirming signature endorsing a document already signedSynonyms: countersignatureType of signature
Verb (1)countersigned, countersigning
- add one's signature to after another's to attest authenticity“You must countersign on this line of the contract”More general sign
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Coun′ter·sign′ (-s?n′; 277), transitive verb [past tense & past participle Countersigned (-s?nd′); present participle & verbal noun Countersigning.]
Origin: 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·sign′ adjective
1. The signature of a secretary or other officer to a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest its authenticity.
2. Military A private signal, word, or phrase, which must be given in order to pass a sentry; a watchword.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54