card of introduction

Noun

 * 1) A small printed card which introduces the bearer, identified by another person who recommends that bearer.

Usage notes

 * A card of introduction is similar to a calling card, and is used under the same circumstances, but differs in that it gives two names — that of the person bearing the card and that of the person recommending the bearer, rather than just the name of the bearer. Often, the card of introduction is simply the calling card of the recommender, with the name of the person being introduced written above.