'Over the counter' definitions:

Definition of 'Over the counter'

From: GCIDE
  • Counter \Coun"ter\, n. [OE. countour, OF. contouer, comptouer, F. comptoir, LL. computatorium, prop., a computing place, place of accounts, fr. L. computare. See Count, v. t.] A table or board on which money is counted and over which business is transacted; a long, narrow table or bench, on which goods are laid for examination by purchasers, or on which they are weighed or measured. [1913 Webster]
  • Over the counter (a) (Stock Exchanges), in an office; -- said of business so done, as distinguished from that done at an exchange. [Cant] (a) without a prescription; needing no prescription; -- said of medicines that can be legally bought without a physician's prescription. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]