ˈunderˌwriter
[f. underwrite v.1]
† 1. A subscriber to, or shareholder in, a mercantile venture. Obs.
| 1616 in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.) I. 250 For your venture in the East India Company I know not what to say... It's thought the King might do well to call to all the underwriters for a supply. |
2. One who underwrites an insurance policy; spec. one who carries on an insurance business, esp. of shipping.
| 1622 Malynes Anc. Law-Merch. 166 The later vnder⁓writers of the Assurors do not beare any part of the losse, but make restitution of the Premio. 1713 Steele Englishm. No. 53, An Abuse crept into the World for the Advantage of the Under-writers. 1791 Bentham Panopt. 71 He would get underwriter's profit by me; but let him get that and welcome. 1833 Marryat P. Simple (1863) 281 The plate presented me by the merchants and underwriters of Lloyd's. 1874 Burnand My Time vii. 65 The fearful gales..had resulted in serious losses to the underwriters. |
† 3. One who appends his name to a writing; a subscriber. Obs.
| a 1639 Wotton in Reliq. (1651) 458, I have now no more to say, but that while the foresaid report shall be false, The under-writer is Truly yours H. Wotton. |
4. A subordinate writer or clerk.
| 1654 Taylor Real Pres. 288 Part of these words which Bellarmine, and from him the under-writers object. c 1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 262 Under them is the 60 Clerks and other under writers. |
5. One who engages to take up a certain number of company shares (see underwrite v.1 4 b.)
| 1889 Lindley Company Law Index s.v., Difference between underwriter and person agreeing to place shares. 1897 Times Law Rep. XIII. 570 If..underwriter substitutes could not be procured, the Globe Company remained underwriter. |