Definition

1. Noun:

   • A second confirming signature endorsing a document already signed: A signature added to a document by a second person to confirm, authorize, or validate the first signature.
   • A secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group: A password, watchword, or signal used to identify oneself to a guard or sentry.

2. Verb:

   • To add one's signature to after another's to attest authenticity: To sign a document that has already been signed by another person, thereby confirming its validity or authorizing its execution.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Signature):

  • The contract requires the countersign of the department head.
  • The bank manager's countersign was needed on the check.

• Noun (Password):

  • The soldier gave the countersign to the sentry and was allowed to pass.
  • "Thunder" was the countersign for the night.

• Verb:

  • Please countersign this document where I have signed.
  • The treaty was signed and countersigned by the ambassadors.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Administrative Context: The act of countersigning is a formal procedure in legal, financial, and diplomatic documents to ensure multi-level authorization.

  • All official orders must be countersigned by the commanding officer.

• Historical/Military Context: The use of a countersign as a password is a classic security measure to control access.

  • The changing countersigns prevented enemy spies from infiltrating the camp.

Variants and Related Words

• Countersignature (n): The signature itself that serves as a countersign.

  • Her countersignature was on file for verification.

• Countersigned (adj): Describing a document that has received a countersign.

  • Please submit the countersigned agreement.

Synonyms

• Noun (Signature): Second signature, confirming signature, endorsement.
• Noun (Password): Password, watchword, parole, signal.
• Verb: Endorse, validate, confirm, ratify, cosign.

Related Phrases

• To require a countersign: To necessitate a second signature for validation.

  • This financial instrument will require a countersign.

• To give the countersign: To provide the correct password.

  • He approached the gate and gave the countersign.

Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed from the word "countersign".)

Noun

1. a second confirming signature endorsing a document already signed
2. a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
   • he forgot the password

Verb

1. add one's signature to after another's to attest authenticity
   • You must countersign on this line of the contract