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.

privy seal

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

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Although in other things I am glad of it because of my going again to-day to the Privy Seal.

To the Privy Seal this morning about business, in my way taking leave of my mother, who goes to Brampton to-day.

The king must promise never again to consult Bute, and must deprive his brother Mackenzie of the office of privy seal of Scotland.

Newcastle, who was privy seal and again had charge of church patronage, was no longer so powerful as in earlier days.

Though prime minister, he took for himself the unimportant office of privy seal.

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