counterfoil Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the part of a check that is retained as a record
    stub; check stub.

WordNet

Coun"ter*foil` noun
Etymology
Counter- + foil a leaf.
Definitions
  1. That part of a tally, formerly in the exchequer, which was kept by an officer in that court, the other, called the stock, being delivered to the person who had lent the king money on the account; -- called also counterstock. Eng.
  2. The part of a writing (as the stub of a bank check) in which are noted the main particulars contained in the corresponding part, which has been issued.

Webster 1913