Definition

Noun: - The principal official seal of a government: The "great seal" is the primary seal used to authenticate documents of the highest importance, symbolizing the authority and sovereignty of a nation or state. It is typically in the custody of a high-ranking official like a secretary of state or chancellor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The treaty bore the impress of the nation's great seal.
  • The design of the great seal is rich with national symbolism.
  • A document requires the great seal to be considered an official act of state.

Advanced Usage

• "keeper of the great seal": A title for the official responsible for the physical custody and use of the seal.
  • The Lord Chancellor serves as the keeper of the great seal in the United Kingdom.

Variants and Related Words

• Seal (noun): A device or substance used to close or secure something; an embossed design used to authenticate a document.
• Seal of state: Another term for a government's principal seal, often used interchangeably with "great seal."

Synonyms

• State seal
• Principal seal
• National seal

Related Phrases

• To affix the great seal: The formal act of applying the seal to a document to make it official.
  • The bill became law once the president affixed the great seal.

Noun

1. the principal seal of a government, symbolizing authority or sovereignty