sealed orders

American  

plural noun

1. written orders or instructions that are not to be looked at until a specified time, especially orders that are given in sealed form to a commander of a vessel to be opened after the vessel is out of contact with the shore.

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sealed orders British  

plural noun

1. written instructions that are not to be read until a specified time

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Example Sentences

Curious and suspicious, Pepys manages to read the sealed orders sent to the squadron’s commander.

From Washington Post • May 1, 2018

The expedition had the scientific goal of observing the transit of Venus from Tahiti, but Cook also carried sealed orders to continue from Tahiti and search for the great southern continent.

From The Guardian • Jan. 13, 2017

The previously sealed orders, both dated Dec. 19, addressed Carpenter’s attempt to prevent intimidation of or retaliation against witnesses, and obstruction.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2015

"We were put to sea, and opened sealed orders only afterwards – so nobody knew where we were going."

From The Guardian • Sep. 26, 2014

Lee prepared sealed orders to be given to each of Watters’ men; they were to scatter out over the countryside and find Stuart and get him back to Gettysburg with all possible speed.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara