What is "paraph"

Paraph \Par"aph\, n. [F. paraphe, parafe, contr. fr. paragraphe.] A flourish made with the pen at the end of a signature. In the Middle Ages, this formed a sort of rude safeguard against forgery.
--Brande & C.

Paraph \Par"aph\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphed; p. pr. & vb. n. Paraphing.] [Cf. F. parapher, parafer.] To add a paraph to; to sign, esp. with the initials.

n. (context chiefly historical English) A flourish made after or below one's signature, originally to prevent forgery. vb. (context transitive English) To add a paraph to; to sign, especially with one's initials.

n. a flourish added after or under your signature (originally to protect against forgery)

Paraph may refer to:

• a flourish at the end of a signature
• (rarely) an alternative name for the pilcrow sign