n. in the law of contracts, a written paper which is one of several documents which constitute a contract, such as a written offer and a written acceptance. Often a contract is in several counterparts which are the same but each paper is signed by a different party, particularly if they are in different localities. (See: contract)
COUNTERPART, contracts. Formerly each party to an indenture executed a
separate deed; that part which was executed by the grantor was called the
original, and the rest the counterparts. It is now usual for all the parties
to execute every part, and this makes them all originals. 2 Bl. Com. 296.
2. In granting lots subject to a ground rent reserved to the grantor,
both parties execute the deeds, of which there are two copies; although both
are original, one of them is sometimes called the counterpart. Vide 12 Vin.
Ab. 104; Dane's Ab. Index, h.t.; 7 Com. Dig. 443; Merl. Repert. mots Double
Ecrit.