n.
historical - a small seal, especially one set in a ring, used instead of or with a signature to give authentication to an official document.
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(usu. 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.
Etymology
ME: from OFr., or from med. L. signetum, dimin. of signum ‘token, seal’.