PRIVY SEAL Meaning and
Definition
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Privy Seal is a term that refers to both a historical office in the British government and the seal used by this office. In the context of a historical office, Privy Seal is a high-ranking position within the British monarchy, responsible for dealing with sensitive and confidential matters of state. The Privy Seal was traditionally held by a trusted advisor or minister who had direct access to the reigning monarch. Their role involved overseeing the issuing of royal documents, such as letters patent, grants, and charters. The Privy Seal's primary duty was to ensure that these documents were authenticated and stamped with the seal.
Additionally, the term Privy Seal can also refer to the actual seal used by the Privy Seal office. This seal was historically made of wax and imprinted with the royal coat of arms or an appropriate symbol, indicating its authenticity and authorization. It was affixed to official documents to signify the approval or endorsement of the reigning monarch. The Privy Seal was an important symbol of the monarch's authority and confidence in the document being sealed.
Over time, the role and significance of the Privy Seal have evolved, and it is no longer an active position in the British government. However, the term continues to be used to refer to important official seals and the historical office they represent.
Common Misspellings for PRIVY SEAL
- orivy seal
- lrivy seal
- -rivy seal
- 0rivy seal
- peivy seal
- pdivy seal
- pfivy seal
- ptivy seal
- p5ivy seal
- p4ivy seal
- pruvy seal
- prjvy seal
- prkvy seal
- provy seal
- pr9vy seal
- pr8vy seal
- pricy seal
- priby seal
- prigy seal
- prify seal
Etymology of PRIVY SEAL
The word "privy seal" can be traced back to the Middle English period in England.
The term "privy" comes from the Old French word "privé", which means private or personal. This word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "privatus", meaning set apart or restricted to an individual. In English, "privy" came to refer to something secret, personal, or pertaining to a particular person.
On the other hand, "seal" has a different origin. It comes from the Old English word "seole", which means a tool or instrument for marking or imprinting. This term is related to Old Norse "sjoðull" and German "Siegel". Over time, "seal" specifically began to refer to a device used to create an official mark or impression on documents.
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