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

See Examples For:

broad seal

In 1660 he sued out his pardon for all offences 'under the broad seal of England.'

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 4, October, 1863 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

If such a damnable outrage can be committed on the person of a citizen with impunity, let the Governor break the broad seal of the State; he bears the sword in vain.

From Great Men and Famous Women, Vol. 7 A Series of Pen and Pencil Sketches of the Lives of More Than 200 of the Most Prominent Personages in History by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)

Sandys, despairing of success from the king, appealed to Parliament in the name of the "Adventurers and Planters in Virginia," and "the Virginia patent was taken out again under the broad seal of England."

From England in America, 1580-1652 by Tyler, Lyon Gardiner

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

The long, sleeveless surcoat seen over King John’s mail on his broad seal goes through the century and is often embroidered with arms.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various