[COUNTER- 3, 8.] † a. The counterpart or duplicate of a bill (obs.). b. A (parliamentary) bill forming a counterpart or set-off to another.
1598. Florio, Contrapoliza, a countermand, a counterbill [1611 a counterbill or schedule].
1599. Minsheu, Sp. Dict., Contrapolica, the counterpaine of a charter party, a counter-bill.
1839. Lockhart, Ballantyne-Humbug, 102. Certain counter-bills, held by the Constables, being thrown into the market.
1880. W. E. Forster, in T. W. Reid, Life (1888), II. vi. 261. Should we accompany our coercive measure by any counter-bill like the Disturbance Bill?
