privy seal


noun

(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.

Origin of privy seal

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

British Dictionary definitions for privy seal

privy seal

noun

(often capitals) (in Britain) a seal affixed to certain documents issued by royal authority: of less rank and importance than the great seal