Και από το OED:
paraph, n.
(ˈpæræf)
Also 4–5 paraf, 5 -affe.
[a. F. paraphe, parafe, also 15th c. parraphe, -affe, paraffe = It. paˈrafo, med.L. paˈraphus, shortened form of paragraphus: see paragraph.]
†1.1 A paragraph. Obs.
†2.2 (?) A paragraph mark on the margin. Obs.
3. Diplomatics. A flourish made after a signature, originally as a kind of precaution against forgery.
1584 D. Powel Lloyd's Cambria 9 That character which the Lawyers do call a Paraph. 1656 Blount Glossogr. [from Cotgr.], Paraph, the flourish or peculiar Knot or mark set unto, after, or instead of, a name in the signing a Deed or Letter. 1727–41 Chambers Cycl. s.v., The Paraph of the Kings of France is a grate, which the secretaries always place before their own, in all letters, etc. 1842 Brande Dict. Sci., etc., s.v., In some countries (as in Spain) the paraph is still a usual addition to a signature. 1895 Daily News 17 Dec. 5/1 [Signature of Fr. Bacon] The paraphe is a loop-headed triangle, with a lozenge below.