underwrite

Definition

To write below or under; subscribe.

Etymology

From Middle English underwriten, from Old English underwrītan (“to write at the foot of, write under, subscribe”). Compare Dutch onderschrijven (“to endorse”), German unterschreiben (“to sign; endorse”), Danish underskrive (“to sign; endorse”). By surface analysis, under- + write.

Example Sentences

• "Dr. Beeching's obvious intent is that if Scottish—and similarly unprofitable English and Welsh—railways are to be maintained, it must be done by an unconcealed subsidy; he is determined that the railways shall no longer be preoccupied with—and derided for—immense deficits which include the burden of social services the State must openly underwrite, if it wants them."
• "The broker who procures the insurance […]ought not, by underwriting the policy, to deprive the parties of his unbiased testimony."
• "Diſguiſe the holy ſtrength of their command: / And vnder write in an obſeruing kinde"