Obs. Also 6 conter-, 7 contre-. [a. F. contre-partie (15th c. in Littré; 13th c. in Godef., Suppl.).]
1. An opposite party in a law-suit or contest; an adversary or opponent.
1557. N. T. (Genev.), Luke xii. 58. Whyle thou goest with thy conterpartie to ye ruler.
1577–87. Holinshed, Chron., III. 838/2. Then in came the counterpartie richlie apparelled, to the number of twelue.
1624. Brief Inform. Affairs of Palatinate, 52. These commings and goings too and fro, caused by the contreparty, were for no other end.
2. The opposite party in a contract, etc.
1676. R. Dixon, Two Test., 29. As to the Act of God, Abraham was not the Counterparty with whom it was done, but the Beneficiary unto whom it was done.
3. = COUNTERPART 1.
1624. Brief Inform. Affairs of Palatinate, 34. The instruction of the said Embassade (the counter-partie whereof is in mens hands) sheweth the quite contrarie.
