sigil

[sij-il]

noun

1. a pictorial symbol used in ritualistic magic and supposed to have supernatural power: Create a sigil to represent your goal or resolution and carve it into the candle.

   Seven sigils spell out the names of the seven archangels who govern the days of the week.

   Create a sigil to represent your goal or resolution and carve it into the candle.

2. a seal or signet.

sigil

/ ˈsɪdʒɪl, ˈsɪdʒɪlərɪ /

noun

1. a seal or signet

2. a sign or image supposedly having magical power

Other Word Forms

• sigillary adjective
• sigilistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sigil¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin sigillum “statuette, figure, stamped figure,” diminutive of signum sign; seal ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sigil¹

C17: from Latin sigillum a little sign, from signum a _sign

Example Sentences

Nansi opens his free hand, and a circular sigil of light forms just above his palm.

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He gestures toward the sigil—a glowing Adinkra symbol that looks like a dark circle with arrows pointing in four directions.

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The sigil grows bolder and brighter, and the webbed masses from the ceiling begin unwinding toward the floor.

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The trickster god twists the sigil, and the bodies fall onto the web we’re on.

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The Teen’s true identity remains a secret thanks to the sigil hex that prevents others from hearing any identifying information about him, including his real name.

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Related Words

• autograph 
• identification 
• ink 
• name 
• seal 
• stamp 
• trademark