Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            What addition and change I have made I have here
            underwritten.                         --Bp.
                                                  Sanderson.

   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.

            The broker who procures the insurance ought not, by
            underwriting the policy, to deprive the parties of
            his unbiased testimony.               --Marshall.

Underwriting \Un"der*writ`ing\, n.
   The business of an underwriter,