seal1
n.
- a device or substance used to join two things together or render something impervious.
▸the state or fact of being joined or rendered impervious with a seal.
- a piece of wax, lead, etc. with an individual design stamped into it, attached to a document as a guarantee of authenticity.
▸a design embossed in paper for this purpose.
▸an engraved device used for stamping a seal.
▸a decorative adhesive stamp.
- a confirmation or guarantee:
a seal of approval.
-
(the seal or the seal of the confessional)
the obligation on a priest not to divulge anything said during confession.
- the water standing in the trap of a drain to prevent foul air from rising.
v.
- fasten or close securely.
▸
(seal something off)
isolate an area by preventing or monitoring access to and from it.
- apply a non-porous coating to (a surface) to make it impervious.
- conclude, establish, or secure definitively:
victory was sealed.
- authenticate (a document) with a seal.
Phrase
- my lips are sealed
I will not discuss or reveal a secret. - put
(or set)
the seal on
finally confirm or conclude. - set
(or put)
one's seal to
(or on)
mark with one's distinctive character.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. seel (n.), seeler (v.), from L. sigillum ‘small picture’, dimin. of signum ‘a sign’.
seal2
n.
a fish-eating aquatic mammal with a streamlined body and feet developed as flippers.
[Families Phocidae (the
true seals) and Otariidae (
eared seals): many species.]
v.
[
usu. as noun sealing]
hunt for seals.
Etymology
OE seolh, of Gmc origin.