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signet

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪgnɪt/

Definition of signet

noun

historical
  • a small seal, especially one set in a ring, used instead of or with a signature to give authentication to an official document.
  • (usually the Signet) the royal seal formerly used for special purposes in England and Scotland, and in Scotland later as the seal of the Court of Session.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin signetum, diminutive of signum 'token, seal'

Do not confuse cygnet with signet. A cygnet is a young swan, whereas signet is usually found in the phrase signet ring, which is a ring with letters or a design on it.

signet in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of signet in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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