ANTEDATED CHECK Meaning and
Definition
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An antedated check refers to a financial instrument that carries a later date than the day it was written on. Also known as a postdated check, it is a common practice employed by individuals and businesses to delay payment or ensure funds are available at a future date. The act of antedating a check involves writing a future date on the document, signifying that the funds should not be withdrawn until that specific date.
Antedated checks are typically used for various reasons, such as loan repayments, bill payments, and rental agreements. For instance, if an individual knows that they will not have sufficient funds to cover a payment until their next paycheck arrives, they may choose to antedate the check for that future date when they anticipate having the necessary funds in their account. This practice allows them to secure a service or fulfill obligations even without immediate funds availability.
It is important to note that antedated checks may come with risks and require trust between the parties involved. The date written on the check determines when the recipient is entitled to withdraw the funds. However, there is an inherent risk of insufficient funds or unexpected circumstances that can occur between the time of writing the check and the date designated for withdrawal. Thus, it is advisable for both issuers and recipients to exercise caution when dealing with antedated checks to avoid any potential complications or discrepancies.
Etymology of ANTEDATED CHECK
The term "antedated check" consists of two parts: "antedated" and "check".
The word "antedated" can be broken down into two components: "ante", meaning "before", and "date", referring to a specific day or time. Therefore, "antedated" essentially means "dated before".
The word "check" originally comes from the Old French word "eschequier", which ultimately traces back to the Arabic word "sakk", meaning "written document" or "bill". It was later adapted into English as "check" in the 17th century.
When these two words are combined, an "antedated check" refers to a check that has a date earlier than the actual date it was issued.
