Counterstamps

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Marks or impressions added opposite or in addition to original stamps or seals to indicate verification, approval, or a change of status
2. Impressions applied over or beside existing official marks, often on documents or postage to show authenticity or revalidation
3. Secondary stamps or symbols placed on top of or opposite initial markings to confirm legitimacy or denote further processing

Etymology: The word is the plural of "counterstamp", a noun built from "counter-" and "stamp" that was later also used as a verb. Its parts are straightforward: "stamp" comes from the idea of striking or pressing an impression into something, and "counter-" in this sense means "opposite" or "against", so a counterstamp is a mark struck in opposition to an original one. That opposing sense matters here, because a counterstamp is traditionally a second impression applied over or beside the first, serving as a check on it rather than a replacement. The practice this describes is old and practical. Official marks, seals and duties on goods, coins and documents were often verified by adding a further stamp, so that the authority could confirm that an item had been inspected, approved or taxed. The verb sense in the definition carries the same logic forward: applying a counterstamp means adding a mark that confirms or changes the status of an item that already bears a stamp.

Synonyms: overstamps, overprints