Counteracquittance

/ˌkaʊntərəˈkwɪtəns/ noun

Definition

A mutual or reciprocal release from debt or obligation; a discharge or settlement that works both ways between two parties.

Etymology

From 'counter-' (mutual, reciprocal) plus 'acquittance' (release from debt, from Old French 'acquiter', to pay off). This is a technical legal or financial term for mutual settlement.

Kelly Says

This is an archaic legal term from when written acquittances (receipts proving you paid a debt) were literally given back and forth—'counteracquittance' meant both parties proved they'd paid each other what they owed!

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