signet

American  

[sig-nit] / ˈsɪg nɪt /

noun

1. a small seal, as on a finger ring.

2. a small official seal for legal documents, contracts, etc.

3. an impression made by or as if by a signet.

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verb (used with object)

1. to stamp or mark with a signet.

signet British  

/ ˈsɪɡnɪt /

noun

1. a small seal, esp one as part of a finger ring

2. a seal used to stamp or authenticate documents

3. the impression made by such a seal

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verb

1. (tr) to stamp or authenticate with a signet

Other Word Forms

• unsigneted adjective

Etymology

Origin of signet

1300–50; Middle English < Old French ( sign, -et ); compare Medieval Latin signētum

Example Sentences

He proudly wore the family crest on a signet ring, but he was also mindful that his father had been accused of collaboration with the Nazis and his mother was “a former American exotic dancer.”

From Washington Post

The traditional signet ring gets a modern update courtesy of this astrological line from Talon jewelry.

From Los Angeles Times

"My family wasn't too happy about me leaving," said Dovzhenko, wearing his military fatigues and a large signet ring inscribed "Loyal Forever" from his marine unit in Ukraine.

From Reuters

But he still wears a large signet ring with the inscription "Loyal forever" from his military marine unit back home in Ukraine.

From Reuters

His left hand grips a pair of tan leather gloves, and on that hand is a small signet ring with his family’s coat of arms: three willow leaves segmented by a black chevron.

From New York Times