Part 2495

<h1>Countersign</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun`ter*sign"</hw> <tt>(-s?n`; 277)</tt>, <tt>v. t.</tt> <wordforms>[<tt>imp. & p. p.</tt> <er>Countersigned</er> <tt>(-s?nd`)</tt>; <tt>p. pr. & vb. n.</tt> <er>Countersigning</er>.]</wordforms> <ety>[<ets>Counter-</ets> + <ets> <ets>sign</ets>: cf. F. <ets>contresigner</ets>.]</ety> <def>To sign on the opposite side of (an instrument or writing); hence, to sign in addition to the signature of a principal or superior, in order to attest the authenticity of a writing.</def>

<h1>Countersign</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*sign`</hw>, <tt>a.</tt> <p><b>1.</b> <def>The signature of a secretary or other officer to a writing signed by a principal or superior, to attest its authenticity.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <fld>(Mil.)</fld> <def>A private signal, word, or phrase, which must be given in order to pass a sentry; a watchword.</def>

<h1>Countersink</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*sink`</hw> <tt>(koun"t?r-s??k`; 277)</tt>, <tt>v. t.</tt> <wordforms>[<tt>imp. & p. p. <er>Countersunk</er> <tt>(-s<?/<?/k`)</tt>; <tt>p. pr. & vb. n</tt>. <er>Countersinking</er>.]</wordforms> <p><b>1.</b> <def>To chamfer or form a depression around the top of (a hole in wood, metal, etc.) for the reception of the head of a screw or bolt below the surface, either wholly or in part; <as>as, to <ex>countersink</ex> a hole for a screw</as>.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>To cause to sink even with or below the surface; <as>as, to <ex>countersink</ex> a screw or bolt into woodwork</as>.</def>

<h1>Countersink</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*sink`</hw>, <tt>n.</tt> <p><b>1.</b> <def>An enlargement of the upper part of a hole, forming a cavity or depression for receiving the head of a screw or bolt.</def>

<note>&hand; In the United States a flaring cavity formed by chamfering the edges of a round hole is called a <i>countersink</i>, while a cylindrical flat-bottomed enlargement of the mouth of the hole is usually called <stype>a conterbore</stype>.</note>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>A drill or cutting tool for countersinking holes.</def>

<h1>Counterstand</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*stand`</hw> <tt>(-st<?/nd`)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>Resistance; opposition; a stand against.</def>

<blockquote>Making <b>counterstand</b> to Robert Guiscard. <i>Longfellow.</i></blockquote>

<h1>Counterstep</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*step`</hw> <tt>(koun"t?r-st?p`)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>A contrary method of procedure; opposite course of action.</def>

<h1>Counterstock</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*stock`</hw> <tt>(-st?k`)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>See <er>Counterfoil</er>.</def>

<h1>Counterstroke</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*stroke`</hw> <tt>(-str?k`)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>A stroke or blow in return.</def>

<i>Spenser.</i>

<h1>Countersunk</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*sunk`</hw> <tt>(-s?nk`)</tt>, <tt>p. p. & a.</tt> <mord>from <er>Countersink</er></mord>. <p><b>1.</b> <def>Chamfered at the top; -- said of a hole.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Sunk into a chamfer; <as>as, a <ex>countersunk</ex> bolt</as>.</def>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>Beveled on the lower side, so as to fit a chamfered countersink; <as>as, a <ex>countersunk</ex> nailhead</as>.</def>

<h1>Countersway</h1> <Xpage=333>

<hw>Coun"ter*sway`</hw> <tt>(-sw?`)</tt>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>A swaying in a contrary direction; an opposing influence.</def> <mark>[Obs.]</mark>