un·der·write /'ən-dər-ˌrīt, ˌən-dər-'rīt/ vt -wrote /-ˌrōt, -'rōt/, -writ·ten, /-ˌrit-ən, -'rit-ən/, -writ·ing
1 a: to assume liability for (a risk) as an insurer
the insurer underwrite s individuals, not the group, in franchise health insurance
b: to issue or set the terms of (an insurance policy)
2: to agree to purchase (all or part of a security issue) usu. on a fixed date at a fixed price with the purpose or plan to resell by means of a public offering
was a security brokerage firm which as part of its business underwrote speculative new issues — UFITEC, S.A. v. Carter, 135 Cal. Rptr. 607 (1977)
3 a: to put up funds for or guarantee financial support of
b: to assess the risk of (as a loan)
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.