The interesting etymology of the word "endorsement"

Parchment was the most usual writing surface for our medieval ancestors.  Whilst flat pages were written on both sides, termed "recto" and "verso", some documents were on rolled up parchment.  It was usual to write on only one side in this case, being the flesh side (rather than the hair side) which was called the "face". On occasion the other side, or "dorse", was also used and when this was for the purpose of authenticating a document, the practice was termed "endorsement". An example of this would be the practice of endorsing wills on manor court rolls.