broad seal

American  

noun

1. the official seal of a country or state.

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broad seal British  

noun

1. the official seal of a nation and its government

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Etymology

Origin of broad seal

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

Before him was borne the broad seal of England, and the scarlet cardinal's hat.

From Old and New London Volume I by Thornbury, Walter

A host of proctors licenced under the broad seal, or by the justices of the peace, or otherwise, went from parish to parish soliciting contributions for churches, alms-houses, hospitals, etc.

From The Elizabethan Parish in its Ecclesiastical and Financial Aspects by Ware, Sedley Lynch

He contented himself with a footing, the Palazzo Bagnacavallo rent-free, and the title of "Gonfalonerius Populorum Libertatis," which looked passably well about a broad seal.

From Little Novels of Italy by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

The broad seal was impressed with Winthrop's coat of arms.

From From Twice Told Tales by Hawthorne, Nathaniel

We here are loyal to the king, and too much his friends to believe that he would wrong himself by controverting the charter which bears the broad seal affixed by his own royal father.

From The History of the United States from 1492 to 1910, Volume 1 From Discovery of America October 12, 1492 to Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 by Hawthorne, Julian