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

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

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

Returning with the view of plundering the slain, he discovered the wounded person was no other than the Prince of Wales; for on stripping him, he found a letter in cipher and his privy seal.

From Curiosities of Great Britain: England and Wales Delineated Vol.1-11 Historical, Entertaining & Commercial; Alphabetically Arranged. 11 Volume set. by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell

Lawrence Byam was of Brasennose College, Oxford, and entering into holy orders, he was, on 17th June, 1575, by letters patent under privy seal from Queen Elizabeth, presented to the rectory of Luckham.

From Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume II (of 2) A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day by Anonymous

He had great influence with James VI., helping the king to restore episcopacy after he had become, in 1595, keeper of the privy seal and a secretary of state.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various