Definition of Counterfeit

In criminal law. To forge; to copy or imitate, without authority or right, and with a view to deceive or defraud, by passing the copy or thing forged for that which is original or genuine. Most commonly applied to the fraudulent and criminal imitation of money. State v. McKenzie, 42 Me. 392; U. S. v. Barrett (D. C.) Ill Fed. 369; State v. Calvin, R. M. Charlt (Ga.) 159; Mattison v. State, 3 Mo. 421.
—Counterfeit coin. Co.in not genuine, but resembling or apparently intended to resemble or pass for genuine coin, including genuine coin prepared or altered so as to resemble or pass for coin of a higher denomination. U. S. v. Hopkins (D. C.) 26 Fed. 443; U. S. v. Bogart. 24 Fed. Cas. 1185.
—Counterfeiter. In criminal law. One who unlawfully makes base coin in imitation of the true metal, or forges false currency, or any instrument of writing, bearing a likeness and similitude to that which is lawful and genuine, with an intention of deceiving and imposing upon mankind. Thinnan v. Matthews, 1 Stew. (Ala.) 384.