Obs. [COUNTER- 3.]
† 1. A letter of reply.
1603. Adv. Don Sebastian, in Harl. Misc., II. 377. He … delivered certain letters from the King, and there were counter letters written, which were never … delivered to the King.
2. A letter countermanding a letter; a counter-deed.
1611. Cotgr., Contre-lettre, a counter-letter, or counter-maund; a retraction of a letter by letter.
1818. Colebrooke, Treatise Oblig. & Contr., I. 240. Counter-letters, or private and secret agreements, derogating from ostensible articles and authentic contracts, have no effect in respect of the interests of third persons.
