Endorse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Endorsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Endorsing.]
Etymology: [Formerly endosse, fr. F. endosser to put on the back, to endorse; pref. en- (L. in) + dos back, L. dorsum. See Dorsal, and cf. Indorse.]
Same as Indorse.
Note: Both endorse and indorse are used by good writers; but the tendency is to the more general use of indorse and its derivatives indorsee, indorser, and indorsement.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Endorse, n. (Her.)
A subordinary, resembling the pale, but of one fourth its width (according to some writers, one eighth).
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for endorse; he lists it under confess.
Where he writes about it:
We accept another's statement; admit any point made against us; acknowledge what we have said or done, good or bad; avow our individual beliefs or feelings; certify to facts within our knowledge; confess our own faults; endorse a friend's note or statement; grant a request; own our faults or obligations; recognize lawful authority; concede a claim. — from confess