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

A capital P crossed with a line or paraph is another Faventine mark, and a somewhat similar monogram, with an S added to the upper part, is found in the wares of Cafaggiolo.

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It glideth to the headstone bare, And signs it with a paraph wild, And hangs a wreath of bones to glare Upon the charnel death-defiled.

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"Yes, he bears the royal arms on his shield, but yet, if we remember rightly, the crown and paraph of our ancestor Edward the Third are wanting."

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

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