from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Underwrite \Un`der*write"\, v. t. [imp. {Underwrote}, Obs.
{Underwrit}; p. p. {Underwritten}, Obs. {Underwrit}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Underwriting}.]
1. To write under something else; to subscribe.
[1913 Webster]
What addition and change I have made I have here
underwritten. --Bp.
Sanderson.
[1913 Webster]
2. To subscribe one's name to for insurance, especially for
marine insurance; to write one's name under, or set one's
name to, as a policy of insurance, for the purpose of
becoming answerable for loss or damage, on consideration
of receiving a certain premium per cent; as, individuals,
as well as companies, may underwrite policies of
insurance. --B. Jonson.
[1913 Webster]
The broker who procures the insurance ought not, by
underwriting the policy, to deprive the parties of
his unbiased testimony. --Marshall.
[1913 Webster]