COUNTERSIGN

countersign, countersignature

(noun) a second confirming signature endorsing a document already signed

password, watchword, word, parole, countersign

(noun) a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group; “he forgot the password”

countersign

(verb) add one’s signature to after another’s to attest authenticity; “You must countersign on this line of the contract”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

countersign (plural countersigns)

(law) A second signature added to a document to affirm the validity of the signature of the first person.

The response to a sign or signal.

Verb

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

(transitive) To sign on the opposite side of (a document).

(transitive, by extension) To add a second signature to a document, affirming the validity of the signature of another person.

Anagrams

• countersing, recountings

Source: Wiktionary

Coun`ter*sign" (-sn`; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Countersigned (- snd`); p. pr. & vb. n. Countersigning.] Etym: [Counter- + sign: cf. F. contresigner.]

Definition: 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`, a.

1. The signature of a secretary or other officer to a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest its authenticity.

2. (Mil.)

Definition: A private signal, word, or phrase, which must be given in order to pass a sentry; a watchword.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition