Countersealed is a word that means approved with an additional seal or stamp. The IPA transcription for this word is /ˈkaʊntərˌsild/. The first syllable, "count", is pronounced with the vowel sound /aʊ/. The second syllable, "er", is pronounced with the vowel sound /ə/. The third syllable, "seal", is pronounced with the vowel sound /i:/ and the final syllable, "ed", is pronounced with the vowel sound /d/. This word is commonly used in legal documents to indicate that they have been validated and authorized by a higher authority.
Countersealed is an adjective that refers to something that has been officially certified or validated with a seal or stamp as a reflection of its authenticity or approval. This term is commonly used in legal, administrative, or bureaucratic contexts, where documents or agreements require additional verification and confirmation.
When a document is countersealed, it means that an authorized individual or entity, usually someone with legal or administrative authority, has affixed their seal or stamp on it to authorize its validity. This act serves as a form of endorsement, ensuring that the document possesses legal or authoritative significance. The counterseal is typically placed alongside or above the original seal or signature on the document, reinforcing its legitimacy and providing a visible indication of verification.
The process of countersealing is employed to prevent forgery, unauthorized alterations, or tampering with the associated document. By affixing a counterseal, the responsible party signifies their acknowledgement and acceptance of the contents of the document, giving it legitimacy and legal weight.
Furthermore, countersealing can also indicate that the document has undergone a second level of scrutiny or approval. In certain bureaucratic or administrative procedures, documents may need to be reviewed and authorized by multiple parties, each of whom affix their respective seal or stamp to the document. This series of counterseals serves to certify that the document has been scrutinized and approved by all relevant authorities.
The word "countersealed" is derived from the combination of two root words: "counter" and "sealed".
- "Counter" originally comes from the Old French word "contre", meaning "against". It entered English in the 14th century and has since been used to denote opposing or contrasting actions or objects. It can also refer to a surface used for particular functions, for instance, a counter in a store or a counter in a sporting event.
- "Sealed" comes from the Old French word "seeler", which means "to close" or "to fasten". It can be traced back to the Latin word "sigillare", meaning "to seal with a signet or a seal". The word entered Middle English in the late 13th century and refers to the act of closing or making something secure using a seal.