counterfoil

[koun-ter-foil]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a part of a bank check, money order, etc., that is kept by the issuer and on which a record of the transaction is made; stub.

counterfoil

/ ˈkaʊntəˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. Also called (esp US and Canadian): stub. the part of a cheque, postal order, receipt, etc, detached and retained as a record of the transaction

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterfoil¹

First recorded in 1700–10; counter- + foil ²

Example Sentences

Ford's composure and experience could be an ideal counterfoil to the more extravagant 10s under consideration.

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The Stones came away with a patina of aristocratic decadence that served as a perfect counterfoil to the raw roots blues of their music.”

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He acted in more than 100 Bollywood films and was widely seen as a counterfoil to the "angry young man" played by Amitabh Bachchan.

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As a result of the abolition of the paper counterfoil, all evidence of driving endorsements and convictions will be held online only.

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Then, taking plenty of time, he filled in the counterfoil.

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Related Words

• certificate 
• voucher