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counterfoil

American  
[koun-ter-foil] / ˈkaʊn tərˌfɔɪl /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of counterfoil

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Literature