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Glite Dictionary
counterfoil

counterfoil

8.1
A small part of a ticket or check that you keep as proof
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌfɔɪl/
translation icon : contraticket
  • Please keep the counterfoil of your ticket for verification at the event.

Examples

  • After making the payment, the cashier handed me the counterfoil as my receipt.

  • The counterfoil serves as proof of purchase when returning the item.

  • - It's sort of a long counterfoil.

    Help! (1965)

Synonyms

stub
vscounterfoil
39 4.4

A small part of a ticket kept as proof of purchase

is the broader retained section used across checks, tickets, and documents
check stub
vscounterfoil
  • US
2 4.4

A small paper record you keep after you tear off a check showing the payment

is the general retained part for many documents, not only payment pieces

Surface Forms

counterfoil singular
counterfoils plural

Etymology

Counterfoil comes from two old parts: counter- meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and foil from a word for a 'leaf' or 'page'. So a counterfoil is the matching 'leaf' or small copy that stays as a record when the main ticket, check, or voucher is given away.