Definition of sign for

The phrase "sign for" has its roots in the early days of commerce and transportation. During that time, carriers and couriers would transport goods and parcels from one place to another for a fee. These items would be delivered to the recipient under specific conditions and with the agreement of both the sender and the recipient, which was signed by both parties as a proof of receipt. The term "sign for" initially referred to the person who would sign their name to acknowledge receiving the package, signing as a form of agreement to the contents of the parcel and its related terms and prices as agreed upon by both the sender and the carrier. This practice became commonplace in the late 1700s and continued throughout the 1800s and well into the 1900s. As technology evolved, the use of "sign for" expanded to include various services, from receiving mail to picking up packages from parcel locker systems. The term signifies the person's acceptance of the package, while also doubling as a safety precaution for the item being shipped, especially if there's a risk of it being lost or misplaced. In summary, the expression "sign for" refers to the act of signing one's name as a form of acknowledgement and acceptance of receiving a package, and it still holds relevance today in various contexts such as mail delivery, parcel services, and other commercial transactions.