Which term describes the act of checking an endorsement?

The correct term that describes the act of checking an endorsement is "restrictive." In the context of endorsements, a restrictive endorsement refers to a specific manner of endorsing a check that limits its transferability or stipulates how it can be used. By adding a restrictive endorsement, the endorser is indicating that the check can only be deposited into a specific account or cannot be transferred to another party. This ensures control and security over the check's use and helps in verifying its authenticity.

The other options do not pertain to the act of checking endorsements in a relevant way. Adhesive, for example, relates to properties of materials sticking together; compulsive refers to behavior that is driven by an urge, often without rational thought; and affirmative generally connotes agreement or confirmation. Thus, in the context of endorsements, only restrictive accurately describes the act of managing and checking how an endorsement can be applied to financial instruments.