Glossary term
Endorsement
A signature transferring rights under a negotiable document to another party.
Signing a negotiable instrument or document to transfer the rights in it. Endorsing an order bill of lading transfers the right to claim the goods, which is how title moves while cargo is at sea.
A blank endorsement - a signature with no named transferee - makes the document transferable by delivery, and therefore as risky to lose as cash.