\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.

\Un`der*write"\, v. i.
To practice the business of insuring; to take a risk of
insurance on a vessel or the like.