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

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

Little John spyrred after the sheriff, And soon he him found; He opened the kingës privy seal And gave him in his hond.

From Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth Series by Frank Sidgwick

The chancellor and privy seal to pass no grants or other matter contrary to law.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Henry Hallam

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