countersign

American  

[koun-ter-sahyn, koun-ter-sahyn] / ˈkaʊn tərˌsaɪn, ˌkaʊn tərˈsaɪn /

noun

1. a sign used in reply to another sign.

2. Military. a secret sign that must be given by authorized persons seeking admission through a guarded area.

3. a signature added to another signature, especially for authentication.

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verb (used with object)

1. to sign (a document that has been signed by someone else), especially in confirmation or authentication.

countersign British  

verb

1. (tr) to sign (a document already signed by another)

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noun

1. Also called: countersignature.  the signature so written

2. a secret sign given in response to another sign

3. military a password

Etymology

Origin of countersign

1585–95; counter- + sign, modeled on Middle French contresigne, or its source, Old Italian contrasegno

Example Sentences

The president will sign the warrant of appointment for the members of the government and the warrant of appointment of the attorney general, each of which will be countersigned by the taoiseach.

From BBC

A pub licensee was also found to countersign the application.

From BBC

Mr. Noll said that during events or lectures at the Treasury Department with former secretaries, attendees would often bring money to be “countersigned” next to their name on the note.

From New York Times

Someone else would be paid to countersign the application.

From BBC

Also, consumers should never leave a dealership without having a clear countersigned copy of the financing agreement or lease agreement they entered into with the dealer.

From Seattle Times