Signet Meaning
/ˈsɪɡ.nɪt/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn object (especially a ring) formerly used to impress a picture into the sealing wax of a document as a proof of its origin.
Sentence Examples
A digital signature file is the modern equivalent of the signet ring.
Tom sealed the letter with wax using his signet ring.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The nobleman pressed his wax seal using a golden ____ from his finger.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In the past, noblemen would use a ____ ring to press their personal seal into hot wax on letters.
Word Origin & History
From Old French signet (“small seal”), from Medieval Latin signētum, diminutive of Latin signum (“sign”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I had my fathers Signet in my Purse, / Which was the Modell of that Danish Seale:"
— c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:
"To carry pure death in an earring, a casket,
A signet, a fan-mount, a filigree basket!"
— 1844, Robert Browning, The Laboratory:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The nobleman pressed his wax seal using a golden ____ from his finger.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In the past, noblemen would use a ____ ring to press their personal seal into hot wax on letters.