seal

seal

seal¹ [sēl]

n.

[ME seel < OFr < L sigillum, a seal, mark, dim. of signum: see SIGN]

1. a design, initial, or other device placed on a letter, document, etc., as a mark of genuineness or authenticity: letters were, esp. formerly, closed with a wafer of molten wax into which was pressed the distinctive seal of the sender

2. a stamp, signet ring, etc., or the signet itself, used in making such a design

3. a wax wafer, piece of paper, etc. bearing the impression of some official design and used as to authenticate a signature or document

4.

a) something that seals, closes, or fastens tightly or securely; specif., a piece of metal, paper, etc. so placed over a lid, cap, etc. that it must be broken before the container can be opened

b) a tight closure, as against the passage of air or water

5. anything that confirms, authenticates, or guarantees; pledge

6. an indication; sign; token [a handshake as a seal of friendship]

7.

a) any device preventing the passage of gas through a pipe

b) the standing water in the trap of a drainpipe

☆ 8. an ornamental stamp placed on envelopes, packages, etc. [a Christmas seal]

vt.

[ME selen < OFr seeler < the n.]

1. to mark with a seal; fix a seal to

2. to secure the contents of (a letter, envelope, etc.), orig. by closing with a sealed wax wafer, now usually with mucilage, tape, or a gummed flap

3. to confirm or authenticate (a document, etc.) by marking with a seal

4. to attest to or confirm the truth or genuineness of (a promise, bargain, etc.)

5. to certify as being accurate, exact, of a given size, quality, capacity, etc. by fixing a stamp or seal to

6. to grant, assign, or designate with a seal, pledge, etc.

7. to settle, determine, or decide finally or irrevocably [to seal one's fate]

8.

a) to close, shut, or fasten with or as with a seal [to seal one's lips]

b) to close completely so as to make airtight or watertight

c) to apply a nonpermeable coating to (a porous surface, as of wood) as before painting

9. Elec. to bring (a plug and jack) into full, interlocking contact

☆ 10. Mormon Ch. to solemnize (a marriage) for eternity in a church rite

——————

seal off

1. to close completely

2. to enclose or surround (an area, etc.) with barriers, a cordon, etc.

——————

set one's seal to

1. to mark with one's seal

2. to endorse; approve

——————

under one's seal or under seal

in a document authenticated by one's seal

seal² [sēl]

n.

pl. seals or seal [ME sele < OE seolh, akin to OHG selah, prob. < IE base * swelk-, to pull, draw (with reference to the seal's labored movements on land) > L sulcus, furrow]

1. any of two families (Otariidae and Phocidae) of sea carnivores with a doglike head, a torpedo-shaped body, and four webbed feet or flippers: they live in cold or temperate waters and usually eat fish: see EARED SEAL, EARLESS SEAL

2.

a) the fur of a fur seal

b) a similar fur used as a substitute for this

3. leather made from sealskin

vi.

to hunt seals