[f. the vb.]
1. Write-off: † a. A printed form with blanks for filling in with writing. Obs.
1752. Beawes, Lex Merc. Rediv., 363. No Money will be paid … without such a Draught, or what is called, a Write off.
1826. in P. Auber, Analysis, Suppl. (1828), 56. For every sum drawn out of the Bank of England, a write-off, or draft, shall be signed.
b. A cancellation in or by writing.
1905. Daily Chron., 22 July, 2/6. The write-off in respect of the short weight was inevitable.
2. Write-up, a written account or description commending or praising a person or thing. Orig. (and chiefly) U.S.
1887. Aberdeen (Dakota) Republican, 31 Dec., 2/2. The LaMoure Progress … has an elaborate write-up of its city and county.
1902. Eliz. L. Banks, Newspaper Girl, 22. What ‘write-ups’ they gave me, to be sure!
