Definition

Noun: - Seal and sword: A symbolic pair of objects representing feudal authority, power, or official mandate. The seal signifies the right to govern and authenticate documents, while the sword represents the power to enforce and protect that authority.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua trao ấn kiếm cho vị tướng, chính thức giao quyền chỉ huy. (The king bestowed the seal and sword upon the general, formally granting him command.)
  • Ấn kiếm là biểu tượng quyền lực của các quan lại phong kiến. (The seal and sword were symbols of power for feudal mandarins.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to describe the instruments and symbols of official power in pre-modern Vietnam and similar feudal systems.
• It can be used metaphorically to refer to the complete package of authority and the means to exercise it.

Variants and Related Words

• Ấn tín (n): Official seal; stamp of authority.
• Bảo kiếm (n): Treasured sword; often a sword of symbolic importance or legend.

Synonyms

• Quyền trượng (n): Scepter; another symbol of authority.
• Biểu tượng quyền lực (n): Symbol of power.

Related Idioms

• "Nắm giữ ấn kiếm": To hold the seal and sword; meaning to hold the highest authority or command in a particular domain.
  • Ông ấy đang nắm giữ ấn kiếm trong công ty. (He is the one holding the highest authority in the company.)

noun

1. Seal and sword