Search results for 'seal':

seal¹ noun 1 a piece of wax, lead or other material, attached to a document and stamped with an official mark to show authenticity. 2 such a mark • the royal seal. 3 an engraved metal stamp or ring for making such a mark eg on wax. 4 the mark itself. 5 a similar piece of material, with or without an official stamp, for keeping something closed. 6 a piece of rubber or other material serving to keep a joint airtight or watertight. 7 a token or object given, or a gesture made, as a pledge or guarantee. 8 a decorative adhesive label or stamp, usually sold for charity. 9 RC Church an obligation to keep discreet all that is said in confession. verb (sealed, sealing) 1 to fix a seal to something. 2 to fasten or stamp something with a seal. 3 to decide, settle or confirm • seal someone's fate • seal a business agreement. 4 to paint (eg wood) with a substance that protects against damage, especially the weather. 5 to close, especially permanently or for a long time. 6 Austral, NZ to tarmac. set one's seal to something to authorize, approve or formally endorse it.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French seel, from Latin sigillum, from signum mark.

seal² noun 1 any of various marine mammals with a smooth-skinned or furry streamlined body and limbs modified to form webbed flippers, found mainly in cool coastal waters. Compare sea lion. 2 sealskin. verb (sealed, sealing) intrans to hunt seals. sealer noun a seal hunter.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon seolh.