UNDERWRITE

vt to write under something else; to subscribe.

2. underwrite ·vi to practice the business of insuring; to take a risk of insurance on a vessel or the like.

3. underwrite ·vt 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.