cosignatory
Definition
Noun:
- One of two or more signers of the same document: A person or entity that signs a document, such as a treaty, declaration, contract, or loan agreement, alongside one or more other parties. All cosignatories share the responsibilities and obligations outlined in the document.
Adjective:
- Signing jointly with others: Describing the act of being one of multiple parties who sign a single document, or describing a party that has signed in this manner.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The treaty had five cosignatories, each representing a different nation.
- As a cosignatory on the loan, she was equally responsible for the debt.
Adjective:
- The cosignatory nations agreed to the terms of the environmental pact.
- He acted in a cosignatory capacity for the business contract.
Advanced Usage
- Legal and Financial Context: The term is most common in formal, legal, or financial contexts. A cosignatory on a loan, for instance, guarantees repayment if the primary borrower defaults.
- Distinction from "Witness": A cosignatory is a principal party to the agreement, not merely a witness who observes the signing.
Variants and Related Words
- Cosign (verb): To sign a document jointly with another person.
- The parent had to cosign the student's apartment lease.
- Cosigner (noun): A common synonym for "cosignatory," especially in financial contexts.
- The bank required a cosigner for the loan.
Synonyms
- Joint signatory
- Cosigner
- Co-signer
- Countersignatory (specifically for signing in addition to another, often to confirm authenticity)
Related Phrases
- To be a party to: To be one of the people or groups involved in an agreement or legal action.
- All cosignatories are considered parties to the contract.
- To share liability/responsibility: To be jointly accountable for something.
- By becoming a cosignatory, you agree to share liability for the debt.
Adjective
-
signing jointly with others
Noun
-
one of two or more signers of the same document (as a treaty or declaration)