countermark

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​mark
1
: an added mark designed to secure greater safety or more complete identification:
a
: a mark put on a package of goods belonging to several persons to show that it may not be opened except in the presence of all
b
: a hallmark added to that of the artificer of gold or silver work
2
: an artificial cavity formerly made in the teeth of horses to disguise their age compare bishop entry 3
3
a
: a mark on a coin that is not part of the original design but that has been added as indication of a change in the coin's value, in its issuing authority, or in its country of circulation
The 18 stiver coin of St. Martin issued in 1809 shows a bundle of arrows as countermark.
b
: a mark on a coin added as attestation of purity or standard value : chop mark

countermark

2 of 2

transitive verb

: to apply a countermark to
countermark silverware
Coins were countermarked with a "V".

Word History

Etymology

Noun

translation of Middle French contremarque

Transitive verb

translation of French contremarquer

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Dictionary Entries Near countermark

Cite this Entry

“Countermark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countermark. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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