signet

[ sig-nit ]

noun

1. a small seal, as on a finger ring.
2. a small official seal for legal documents, contracts, etc.
3. an impression made by or as if by a signet.

verb (used with object)

1. to stamp or mark with a signet.

signet

/ ˈsɪɡnɪt /

noun

1. a small seal, esp one as part of a finger ring
2. a seal used to stamp or authenticate documents
3. the impression made by such a seal

verb

1. tr to stamp or authenticate with a signet

Other Words From

• un·signet·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of signet¹

1300–50; Middle English < Old French ( sign, -et ); compare Medieval Latin signētum

Word History and Origins

Origin of signet¹

C14: from Medieval Latin signētum a little seal, from Latin signum a sign

Example Sentences

Attendees wore stickers with their chosen “Empyrean” rank and wrote their dream powers on a signet wish tree.

From Los Angeles Times

This demi signet is a petite counterpart to the J. Hannah classic signet and designed to be worn on the pinky.

From Los Angeles Times

The colorful intaglios — gems with incised carvings — likely fell out of signet rings worn by wealthy third-century bathers, and ended up trapped in the stone drains.

From New York Times

Archives show that those who lived in Brown Square included physician Joseph McKenzie; advocate John McLaurin; lord justice clerk Thomas Miller; Lady Agnew; and a writer to the signet, Isaac Grant.

From BBC

He proudly wore the family crest on a signet ring, but he was also mindful that his father had been accused of collaboration with the Nazis and his mother was “a former American exotic dancer.”

From Washington Post