privy seal

American  

noun

1. (in Great Britain) the seal affixed to grants, documents, etc., that are to pass the great seal, and to documents of less importance that do not require the great seal.

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privy seal British  

noun

1. (often capitals) (in Britain) a seal affixed to certain documents issued by royal authority: of less rank and importance than the great seal

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Etymology

Origin of privy seal

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

privy seal

Visitors will also be able to view books and manuscripts such as the death warrant of the 7th Earl of Northumberland, signed by Elizabeth I and sealed with her privy seal.

From Reuters ● May 27, 2022

The Duke of Grafton now felt tired of his situation, and told the queen that he could no longer continue in office; in consequence of which, the Earl of Dartmouth received the privy seal.

From Secret History of the Court of England, from the Accession of George the Third to the Death of George the Fourth, Volume I (of 2) Including, Among Other Important Matters, Full Particulars of the Mysterious Death of the Princess Charlotte by Lady Anne Hamilton

In November 1830 when Grey became prime minister in succession to the duke of Wellington, Lord Durham entered the cabinet as lord privy seal.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 8 "Dubner" to "Dyeing" by Various

In 1881-1883 under-secretary for the home office; in 1885 lord privy seal; and later chief commissioner of works; secretary for foreign affairs in Gladstone's administration, 1886 and 1892-1894.

From The Makers of Canada: Index and Dictionary of Canadian History by Various

On the 11th of May, 1364, he was made keeper of the privy seal, and soon after he is styled secretary to the king, or what we should now call principal secretary of state.

From Cabinet Portrait Gallery of British Worthies Volume I by Anonymous