paraph Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a flourish added after or under your signature (originally to protect against forgery)

WordNet

Par"aph noun
Etymology
F. paraphe, parafe, contr. fr. paragraphe.
Definitions
  1. A flourish made with the pen at the end of a signature. In the Middle Ages, this formed a sort of rude safeguard against forgery. Brande & C.
Par"aph transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. parapher, parafer.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Paraphed ; present participle & verbal noun Paraphing
Definitions
  1. To add a paraph to; to sign, esp. with the initials.

Webster 1913