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

Paraph, par′af, n. a mark or flourish under one's signature.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg