privy seal

English

Noun

privy seal (plural privy seals)

1. The personal seal of an English or Scottish monarch.

   Synonym: privy signet

2. A document to which such a seal is attached; specifically, a warrant demanding a loan.
   • 2011, Thomas Penn, Winter King, Penguin, published 2012, page 313:

     Vergil would have seen the queues himself, people summoned by privy seal or letter, or waiting to pay installments of their fines […]

3. The position of Keeper of the Privy Seal.

Derived terms

• Clerk of the Privy Seal
• Keeper of the Privy Seal
• Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal
• Lord Privy Seal
• Privy Seal of Japan