What is "underwrit"

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.