prestamped

Prestamped refers to items that have had a mark or impression applied to them in advance, typically for authentication, identification, or payment purposes. This term is most commonly associated with postal services and documents.

In the context of postage, prestamped envelopes or labels are items that already have a postage stamp or indicia printed directly onto them. This eliminates the need for the user to purchase and affix a separate stamp. These are often sold by postal authorities or third-party vendors for convenience.

Beyond mail, prestamped can also describe documents that have been pre-signed or pre-authorized. For example, a prestamped ballot might have a voter's signature already applied, though this is less common in official elections and more likely to appear in specific organizational contexts or in historical scenarios. The key characteristic is that the stamping or marking is done beforehand, rather than at the point of use. This process is usually undertaken for efficiency, security, or to ensure a uniform appearance.