sealn.1
/siːl/, U.S. /si(ə)l/ 1. A member of the family Phocidæ, sub-order Pinnipedia, of aquatic carnivorous mammals, with limbs developed into flippers and adapted for swimming, and having an elongated body covered with thick fur or bristles and terminated by a short tail; spec. the Common Seal, Phoca vitulina, an inhabitant of all waters of the temperate and frigid zones. Also applied (chiefly with defining word: see 2) to amphibious mammals of other families closely resembling the Common Seal in appearance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Pinnipedia (seal, sea lion, or walrus) > [noun] > family Phocidae > seal
sealc893
sea-seala1398
seal-fishc1420
sea-veal1576
phoca1594
sea tun1601
sea-calf1616
rubb1694
swile1802
tang-fish1809
sea-pig1826
earless seal1833
phocacean1842
phocid1871
floe-flat1883
phocine1890
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Pinnipedia (seal, sea lion, or walrus) > [noun] > family Phocidae > genus phoca > phoca vitulina (common seal)
sealc893
sea-calfa1387
sea-dog1598
soile1602
harbour seal1766
doter1770
ranger1771
α.
β. c893 tr. Orosius Hist. i. i. 18 On þæm sciprapum, þe beoð of hwæles hyde geworht, & of seoles.c1050 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 408/37 Focus, seol.c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 755 He tok þe sele.1409 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 53 In di. ceel de Tes, 4s.1416 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 54 In 3 quarters unius zele et plays de Tese, 8s. 6d.a1475 J. Russell Bk. Nurture (Harl. 4011) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 171 The baly of þe fresche samon, els purpose, or seele.a1552 J. Leland Itinerary (1711) VII. 96 Seles when they cast theyr Calves they cum to Lond.1579 E. Hake Newes out of Powles Churchyarde newly Renued iv. sig. D3 Straunge kindes of fysh at second course... As Porpesse, Seale and Salmond good.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 835 An Iland salt and bare, The haunt of Seales and Orcs.1743 J. Bulkeley & J. Cummins Voy. to South-seas 159 To carry a Line to haul some of the Seal aboard.1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iv. x. 141 Staffa..Where..the shy seal had quiet home.c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 34 Ðas onsænde seolh ofer sæs hrygc.
1383 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1899) II. 434 Coopertus cum pelle de sely [perh. read = selȝ].
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. iii. i. 48 Þe carl was fat as any selche [v.r. selghe].
1502 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1900) II. 342 Item to ane man brocht ane quyk selch fra Pittinweme to Faukland to the King, xiiij s.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 47 The selcht quhilk sum men callis the see volue.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 57 Sey calues or saylches.
1789 D. Davidson Thoughts Seasons 17 Gib's now gane for the Western seas, Whare selchs an' pellucks whamble.
1821 W. Scott Pirate I. v. 99 What the devil mean you by..levelling your gun at folk's heads as you would at a sealgh's?
2. With defining word, e.g. eared, elephant, fur, great, hair, harp, hooded, leonine, leporine, marbled, monk, pied, ribbon, ringed, rough, ursine seal, etc. (see these words); also bottle-nosed seal n. Phoca leonina. crab-eating seal n. Labodon carcinophaga. floe seal n., small-ringed seal n. = spotted seal n. at spotted adj. Compounds 1a. Greenland seal n., heart seal n. = harp-seal at harp n.1 7.
ΚΠ
1781 T. Pennant Hist. Quadrupeds II. 525 Hooded Seal.
1781 T. Pennant Hist. Quadrupeds II. 525 Harp Seal... Our Fishers call this the Harp or Heart Seal.
1781 T. Pennant Hist. Quadrupeds II. 531 Bottle-nose Seal.
1841 Penny Cycl. XXI. 160/2 In the eye of the Greenland Seal..the cornea was thin and yielding.
1842 C. H. Smith Introd. Mammalia (Naturalist's Libr.: Mammalia XIII) 258 Stenorhincus Leptonyx, or Small Nailed Seal, from the South Seas.
1879 E. P. Wright Animal Life 124 The Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) is met with around the north and west coasts of Scotland.
1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 581/1 The small ringed seal or ‘floe-rat’ of the sealers (Phoca hispida).
1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 582/2 The floe or spotted seal.
3. Short for sealskin n. and adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > skin or hide > skin with hair attached or fur > [noun] > of seal
sealskin1325
jacka1795
seal1886
seal-fur1894
pin seal1906
Lakoda1969
1886 S. W. Beck Draper's Dict. Seal (fur). This valuable fur is sought annually on the shores of Spitzbergen.
1886 Leeds Mercury 29 Dec. 4/4 An active demand for seals and plushes.
Compounds
C1.
a.
(a) General attributive.
seal-blubber n.
ΚΠ
1873 Routledge's Young Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 115/2 Such luxuries as seal-blubber.
seal-bone n.
ΚΠ
1616 Shetland Witch Trial in Dalyell Darker Superst. Scot. (1834) 384 The ‘selch bone’ with which Barbara stirred her milk to divine the product.
seal leather n.
ΚΠ
1882 J. Paton in Encycl. Brit. XIV. 388/1 Seal leather is generally finished on the grain side as ‘levant’ seal with a large coarse grain.
seal-oil n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > extracted or refined oil > [noun] > animal oil > other animal oils
seal-oil1732
Dippel's oil1819
lard oil1843
helicin1854
sod oil1883
1732 in Cal. State Papers, Amer. & W. Indies (1939) 227 Value of seal oil made last winter, £2478 10s.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 248 1/ 8 of a gallon of good seal oil, weighs 6010 gr.
1973 L. Russell Everyday Life Colonial Canada xii. 155 Until the 1860s, seal oil was an important lamp fuel in the eastern colonies, and was also used in food and as a lubricant.
(b) (In sense 3.)
seal-coat n.
ΚΠ
1901 Munsey's Mag. 25 351/1 The desire of a woman for a seal coat.
b. ‘Connected with the catching of a seal’.
seal-club n.
ΚΠ
1820 W. Scoresby Acct. Arctic Regions I. 512 A blow with a ‘seal-club’..on the nose, immediately stuns it.
seal-lance n.
ΚΠ
1895 R. Kipling Second Jungle Bk. 161 Kotuko looked over the..deer-sinew fastenings of his harpoon and his seal-lance.
seal-pike n.
seal-ship n.
ΚΠ
1908 Daily Chron. 29 Apr. 5/5 Both the Walrus and the Panther were among the oldest of the fleet of seal-ships.
seal-shot n.
ΚΠ
1842 J. B. Jukes Excurs. Newfoundland I. 277 Captain Furneaux..killed two with his sealing-gun loaded with seal shot.
seal-trap n.
ΚΠ
1876 C. H. Davis Narr. North Polar Exped. Ship Polaris viii. 219 Hans set some seal-traps, without success.
c. Similative, as seal-brown adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > named colours > brown or brownness > [adjective] > other browns
wainscot1577
earth-coloured1722
honey-brown1774
snuff-coloured1787
snuffy1789
moorit1795
iron brown1798
umber1802
umbery1850
sienna-brown1853
oily-brown1861
seal-brown1881
tabac1881
glandaceous1885
cigar-brown1895
bead-brown1912
cocoa1942
toffee-brown1961
toffee1962
sludgy1975
1881 C. C. Harrison Woman's Handiwork Mod. Homes iii. 165 Among colors in which most of the stuffs mentioned may be had, are seal-brown, nut-brown and fawn.
1884 Western Daily Press 28 Nov. 7/4 Entire costumes are made of this attractive fabric..in colour a lovely seal-brown.
1963 B. Vesey-Fitzgerald Cat Owner's Encycl. 36 The body should be a solid colour of rich dark seal-brown shading.
d. Objective.
seal-fisher n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > whaling and seal-hunting > seal-hunting > [noun] > seal-hunter
sealer1770
seal-hunter1781
seal-fisher1820
swiler1883
1820 W. Scoresby Acct. Arctic Regions I. 513 The seal-fishers have to pursue them over the ice.
seal-fishery n.
ΚΠ
1785 J. Knox View Brit. Empire (ed. 3) I. 351 The greatest seal fishery is on the coast of Labrador.
seal-hunt n.
ΚΠ
1886 Encycl. Brit. XXI. 582/2 On the western shore of the White Sea the seal-hunt is less productive than on the eastern.
seal-hunter n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > whaling and seal-hunting > seal-hunting > [noun] > seal-hunter
sealer1770
seal-hunter1781
seal-fisher1820
swiler1883
1781 T. Pennant Hist. Quadrupeds II. 524 Our Newfoundland Seal-hunters.
seal-spearing n.
ΚΠ
1895 R. Kipling Second Jungle Bk. 172 The men used to sing it after seal-spearing.
C2. Special combinations.† seal-fish n. Obsolete = sense 1.
seal calf n. the young of the seal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Pinnipedia (seal, sea lion, or walrus) > [noun] > family Phocidae > seal > young
seal calf?c1450
whitecoat1792
turner1891
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 566 Þer com a cele calf and it toke.
seal-cloth n. (see quot. 1881).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from mixed fibres > [noun] > cotton and silk
soosy1621
satinette1706
satinade1728
foulard1785
satin turk1787
satinetta1820
satin sheeting1879
seal-cloth1881
laventine1893
polonaise1894
silkette1895
1881 T. Wardle Handbk. Wild Silks India 37 The manufacture, first accomplished in 1880 in England, of the fabric known as ‘Seal cloth’, which consists of a Tusser silk plush woven into a cotton back.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Pinnipedia (seal, sea lion, or walrus) > [noun] > family Phocidae > seal
sealc893
sea-seala1398
seal-fishc1420
sea-veal1576
phoca1594
sea tun1601
sea-calf1616
rubb1694
swile1802
tang-fish1809
sea-pig1826
earless seal1833
phocacean1842
phocid1871
floe-flat1883
phocine1890
c1420 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 57 In j Selfysh empt. per Celerarium, 3s. 4d.
1660 J. Childrey Britannia Baconica 160 Certain Rocks, about which the Seal-fishes meet together.
1666 Chirk Castle Accts. (1908) 129 Paid Sir Thomas Myddelton..what he gave the men that came to shew the zeale fish.
seal-fur n. the skin of the Hair-seal (Otaria) used as a material for garments.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > skin or hide > skin with hair attached or fur > [noun] > of seal
sealskin1325
jacka1795
seal1886
seal-fur1894
pin seal1906
Lakoda1969
1894 ‘J. S. Winter’ Red Coats 121 The pitmen could afford to buy costly seal-fur coats for their spouses.
seal-grain n. a preparation of seal leather used in ornamental work.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > leather > [noun] > leather from other specific animals
doeskin1457
buckskin1804
snake-skin1825
antelope1876
crocodile skin1887
lizard1895
prunella1904
seal-grain1906
1906 Westm. Gaz. 5 Dec. 10/2 A new series of white seal-grain tablet calendars.
seal-hole n. a hole in ice kept open by seals coming to it for air and getting out of the water through it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > ice > body of ice > [noun] > hole or unfrozen place in
aglu1835
watch1892
seal-hole1895
wake1895
1895 R. Kipling Second Jungle Bk. 169 The new seal-holes are not two days' distant.
1974 R. Adams Shardik iii. 22 He crouched and watched, vigilant as an Eskimo at a seal-hole.
seal-plush n. a fabric made to imitate seal-skin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > made in imitation of other fabrics > imitation animal skin
Kalmuck1860
sealskin1860
karakul cloth1894
seal-plush1896
1896 Westm. Gaz. 24 Sept. 3/2 An abomination of former times, a fabric known as ‘seal plush’.
seal rookery n. = rookery n. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Pinnipedia (seal, sea lion, or walrus) > [noun] > family Phocidae > seal > breeding ground of
rookery1831
whelping icec1900
seal rookery1901
1901 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 9 Oct. 8/3 That the contention..that the seal herds in the Behring Sea are decreasing is not being borne out by fact, is shown by recent advices from the seal rookeries in the Pribyloffs.
1910 Chambers's Jrnl. Mar. 176/2 The value of the seal-rookeries on the shores.
1974 G. Jenkins Bridge of Magpies iii. 46 Possession [Island] was as inviting as a seal rookery—and as smelly.
seal-vat n. part of the apparatus used in the production of seal-oil.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > other specific types of equipment > [noun] > equipment for extracting oil from blubber
try-works1792
try-pot1795
trying-pot1843
seal-vat1853
scrap-hopper1879
1853 S. G. Archibald in Ure Dict. Arts II. 590 The seal-vat consists of what are termed the crib and pan.
Derivatives
seal-like adj.
ΚΠ
1874 L. Carr Judith Gwynne vii The boy shambled over in a seal-like manner.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
sealn.2
/siːl/, U.S. /si(ə)l/ 1. † e. A letter or other document bearing a seal; a promissory note. Also, a promise attested by one's seal. Obsolete.† f. A stamp, usually in lead, fastened to a piece of material as a guarantee of quality or quantity.† g. A baker's stamped mark on bread. Obsolete.
a. A device (e.g. a heraldic or emblematic design, a letter, word, or sentence) impressed on a piece of wax or other plastic material adhering or attached by cords or parchment slips to a document as evidence of authenticity or attestation; also, the piece of wax, etc. bearing this impressed device.In modern (legal) practice the seal is often represented by a coloured wafer following the signature of each of the parties.Leaden seals were used by the Popes, the Eastern Emperors, and certain other high dignitaries.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal
inseila1000
seal1258
signet1384
chop1614
sigillation1642
sealing1904
1258 Proclam. Henry III (Bodl.) in Trans. Philol. Soc. 1880–1 (1883) App. *174 We senden ȝew þis writ open, sened wiþ vre seel.
c1290 Beket 627 in S. Eng. Leg. I. 124 Þe oþere bischopus al-so On þis chartre heore seles sette.
c1386 G. Chaucer Pardoner's Prol. 9 And thanne my bulles shewe I alle and some Our lige lordes seel on my patente.
1428 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 79 On this my present testament I haue put my seal.
1497 Certificate in Surtees Misc. (1890) 51 In witnes herof,..we have put our seaulx.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 239 With expeditioun and full remissioun, And selis thairto appendit.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 138 Till thou canst raile the seale from off my bond, Thou but offendst thy lungs to speake so loud. View more context for this quotation
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 138 The University is..divided now..into that of 4 Nations..who have each their respective protectors, severall Officers, Treasurers, Consuls, Seal'es.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. On the Backside are several Knots of black and yellow Silk; to which hangs a Seal of Gold.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Charles I ii, in Wks. (1870) II. 383 Let there be No seal on it, except my kingly word And honour as I am a gentleman.
1845 S. Austin tr. L. von Ranke Hist. Reformation in Germany III. v. ii. 49 As a proof, he subjoined Friedemann's letter and seal.
b. figurative. A token or symbol of a covenant; something that authenticates or confirms; a final addition which completes and secures.In allusion to 1 Corinthians ix. 2, some of the Evangelical divines of the 19th cent. were accustomed to speak of a preacher or a pastor as having ‘many seals to his ministry’ (i.e. persons converted through his preaching). The expression was often quoted derisively as an example of sectarian jargon.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > evidence given, testimony > symbol of
sealc1230
c1230 Hali Meid. (Bodl.) 14/128 Ant tu..þet art iloten to him with meiðhades merke, ne brec þu nawt þet seil þet seileð inc to gederes.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. ix. 2 For the seale off myne Apostleshippe are ye in the lorde.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. O3 To sweare and forsweare, and commit Iulian-like violence on the highest seales of religion.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. ii. 145 O, let me kisse This Princesse of pure white, this seale of blisse. View more context for this quotation
1615 W. Bedwell tr. Mohammedis Imposturæ iii. §105 Iohn..was the last of the Prophets, & the seale of them all.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 1043 There they thir fill of Love and Loves disport Took largely, of thir mutual guilt the Seale, The solace of thir sin. View more context for this quotation
1775 R. B. Sheridan Rivals v. i The solemn engagement..puts the seal of duty to an act of love.
1853 Conybeare Ch. Parties in Ess. Eccl. & Soc. (1855) 92 (note) A preacher is said in this [the Recordite] phraseology to be ‘owned’ when he makes many converts, and his converts are called his ‘seals’.
1863 Maclaren in Macmillan's Mag. Feb. 277 Let no one under~value this source of information: it gives the seal to all experimental knowledge.
c. Phrases. (a) †to set to (one's) seal [to is here adverb, not preposition.] : to affix one's seal; figurative to avouch one's conviction that (obsolete). to set one's seal: to affix one's seal to a document; figurative to express one's assent to. (b) under (one's) seal: in a document attested by one's seal.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (intransitive)] > affix one's seal
to set to (one's) seala1400
the mind > language > statement > assent > [verb (intransitive)]
ensentc1290
accordc1300
to say yesa1400
senta1400
to say yeac1425
condescend1477
subscribe1531
accede1534
to take a person at his (also her) word1535
homologatea1649
to close with1654
to set one's seal1659
yes1820
yea-say1876
(a)
(b)1451 Rolls of Parl. V. 215/1 Without the assent and wille of the said [4 persons named] by writing under their seales.1536 Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) 497 Under owre setye selle.1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. iv. 219 By particular consent [I] proceeded Vnder your hands and Seales . View more context for this quotationa1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6889 And ilk waand þat þai þere bare He sperd wit-in þer santuare, And wrat þe nam, and sett to sele, þat man suld oþer nan bitele.
c1400 Brut ii. 560 Which appoyntement truly to be kept þe kyng and the said Ambassatoures sette-to þaire seales.
c1450 Mirk's Festial 41 And for Thomas wold not sette to hys sele of þe curset lawe..he was dampned as a traytour.
1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) John iii. 33 He that hath receaved hys testimonye hath set to his seale that God is true. [So 1611; Revised Version 1881 hath set his seal to this, that God is true.]
1659 H. More Immortality of Soul ii. i. 113 To this Truth Mr. Hobbs sets his seale with all willingness imaginable, or rather eagerness.
d. †farthing seal, ? = quarter seal n. at quarter n. Compounds 4. fisher's seal, fisherman's seal (see fisher n.1 Compounds 2). secre, secret, seal manual: see the first element. †seal of (also at) arms, the impression of a signet engraved with the heraldic bearing of the owner.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > [noun] > emblem or device > impression of
seal of (also at) arms1399
1399 Rolls of Parl. III. 437/2 Null Drap..ne soleit ensealez estre de nul Seal appelle le Ferthyng Seal.
a1400–50 Alexander 2802 To þe þat salutis I send þe sele of myn armes.
1478 in Trans. Shropshire Archæol. Soc. (1909) 9 384 In wyttnesse wherof I the said King of Armes to these pntes have sette my seall of armes and signed wt my hand.
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. Lv A little epitomizd Bradfords Meditations no broader volum'd than a Seale at Armes, or a blacke melancholy veluet patch.
1623 St. Papers, Col. 1622–4, 203 The Company's seal-at-arms is so great, they can make no use thereof, having none but hard wax.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal obligation > bond or recognizance > [noun] > bond in own hand or under own seal
sealc1380
chirograph1483
society > communication > record > written record > [noun] > official record
libel1297
lettersc1300
rolla1325
billc1374
sealc1380
Parliament Roll1444
enrolment1603
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 66 Ȝe to spende at rome many ȝeris & daies, to paie for selis or bullis, to plede for benefices.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 606 I am so boundyn with wytnes to be leill, For all Ingland I wald nocht fals my seill.
1632 P. Massinger Maid of Honour v. ii. sig. L3v I have A seale, or two to witnesse, yet..I'll never sue you.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > mark of quality > [noun] > quality mark on cloth
seal1480
stuff mark1662
1480 in H. E. Malden Cely Papers (1900) 55 He schawll fynd clossyd in hys lettyr the sayll of ij sarpelers wholl.
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1909) III. 657 Then to sett vpon hit the Olyvaunt in lede, and of the Bak of the seall the lengh of the Cloth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparation of bread > [noun] > stamped mark on bread
seala1400
a1400 Old Vsages Winchester in Eng. Gilds (1870) 355 And þat euerych bakere habbe hys seal y-knowe vpon hys loff.
h. The impression of one's signet placed upon an article as evidence of a claim to possession; figurative a mark of ownership.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > as evidence of possession
seal1782
1782 F. Burney Cecilia V. x. v. 270 Mr. Cran..informed her she might put her seal upon whatever she meant hereafter to claim.
1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 35 Her citizens, imperial spirits, Rule the present from the past, On all this world of men inherits Their seal is set.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xlvii. 462 The haughty and indignant passions that now claimed her for their own, and set their seal upon her brow.
i. transferred. An impressed mark serving as visible evidence of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > evidence given, testimony > symbol of > impressed mark
seal1592
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > [noun] > imprint > as evidence of something
seal1592
1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. Ev A fat knaue with a foggie face, wherein a cup of old sacke hath set a seale.
1593 T. Lodge Life & Death William Long Beard A 4 b The good woman..espieng the seales of his shame shadowed in his blushing browes, tooke hold of his gowne sleeue, praieng him to staie a little while.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. i. 6 But my kisses bring againe, bring againe, Seales of loue, but seal'd in vaine, seal'd in vaine. View more context for this quotation
1620 Westward for Smelts (1848) 45 Thou hast the seales on thy face, which those creatures (called whores) doe give.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) I. 66/2 His [Lycurgus'] tomb was struck with lightning; a seal of divinity which no other man..has had, except Euripides.
1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. v. 136 Sea sands are made beautiful by their bearing the seal of the motion of the waters.
j. An impression left by the foot of an animal in soft ground or mud, esp. that of the otter.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animals hunted > trail > [noun] > foot-print
pointingc1425
sealing1591
seal1686
pad1791
pug1851
pad mark1900
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun] > left by the passage of something > of a person or animal > track of footprints > footprint
trod946
lastOE
foot sporeOE
tread?c1225
stepc1290
footstepa1300
solec1325
tracta1547
footprint1552
traces1552
footing1563
foot track1600
accub1623
vestigating1634
vestige1656
seal1686
sign1692
footmark1756
stabble1863
pelmatogram1890
paw print1894
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. 100 The Mark or Seal of an Otter.
1735 W. Somervile Chace iv. 397 Ah on that yielding Sag-bed, see, once more His Seal I view.
1875 G. C. Davies Rambles School Field-club xxxvi. 271 One man had been down to the river side, to see if he could discover the ‘seal’, or track of an otter.
2.
a. A piece of wax or some other plastic or adhesive substance (originally, and still frequently, one bearing the impression of a signet: cf. sense 1), fixed on a folded letter or document, or on a closed door or receptacle of any kind, in such a way that an opening cannot be effected without breaking it.flying seal: see flying adj. 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > a seal
seala1272
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > as fastening
seala1272
secre seal1362
a1272 Luue Ron 194 in Old Eng. Misc. 99 Þis rym mayde ich þe sende open and wiþ-vte sel.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Rev. v. 1 And I siȝe in the riȝthalf of the sittinge vpon the troone, a book..seelid with seuen seelis.
a1400 K. Alis. (Bodl.) 6666 He braak þe seal & þe lettre seie.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16907 Þai did þair seles þar-apon, ar þai þeþen went.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 139 What Letter is this same?.. Ile be so bold to breake the seale for once. View more context for this quotation
1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 10 Nov. (1948) I. 90 I forgot to leave a gap in the last line but one for the seal, like a puppy.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 213 But Arthur spied the letter in her hand, Stoopt, took, brake seal, and read it.
1861 F. A. Paley in tr. Aeschylus Agamemnon in Trag. (ed. 2) 370/1 διαϕθείρειν σημαντήρια is to spoil or tamper with the seals affixed to the doors and store-houses in the absence of the lord.
b. figurative. That which ‘seals a person's lips’, an obligation to silence, a vow of secrecy; esp. the seal of confession or the confessional. Also (often with allusion to the ‘seven seals’ of Revelation v. and vi.), that which prevents the understanding of Holy Scripture or some other book.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > obligation
seala1300
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > obligation or commitment
seala1300
obligationc1325
commitment1789
committal1835
a1300 Cursor Mundi 27444 Or for it es als vnder sel O scrift him sceud al to consail.
1526 W. Bonde Rosary sig. Biiii Put blessed lorde the seale and locke of sylence to my mouthe.
1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East iii. ii. sig. F2v What now I must deliuer Vnder the deepest seale of secrecy.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables xxi. 23 A Thing that's done in Hugger-mugger, under a Seal of Secrecy and Concealment.
1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 239 They..wanting him to loose the sacred seal, Found him as prompt as their desire was true, To spread the new-born glories in their view.
1831 S. Lover Legends & Stories Ireland 1st Ser. 73 ‘'Twas under the seal of confession’, said I, ‘that you disclosed the deadly secret, and under that seal my lips must have been for ever closed.’
1897 ‘A. Hope’ Phroso (1905) vii. 126 The secret was out through Constantine's fault, not hers, and the seal was removed from her lips.
c. Hermes' seal, Hermetic seal (see Hermes n. 3b, hermetic adj. 2b).
ΚΠ
1569 J. Sanford tr. H. C. Agrippa Of Vanitie Artes & Sci. 158 b The foolish misteries..of the seale of Hermes,..& of infinite like trifles.
d. seal of relics n. [medieval Latin sigillum altaris] a stone cemented above the aperture in which relics are placed at the consecration of an altar. (The use in quot. 1843 is probably an error.)
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > division of building (general) > altar > parts of altar > [noun] > top > seal of relics in
seal of relics1843
1843 Ecclesiologist Sept. 6 A stone Altar may be provided two ways. Either make it a plain solid mass of masonry, the slab (technically called seal or table) of black granite or marble.., or [etc.].
1897 Catholic Dict. (ed. 5) 238/1 The consecration endures till the altar-stone is broken or the seal of relics broken.
3. figurative.c1386 G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Prol. 604 Gat tothed I was and that bicam me weel, I hadde the prente of seint Venus seel [Cambr. MS. seynt peterys sel].1670 J. Dryden & W. Davenant Shakespeare's Tempest iv. 53 He has a melting heart, and soft to all the Seals Of kindness; I will undertake for his compassion.† c. The keeper of the seal of a court. (Cf. Great Seal n.1 2.)† g. burning seal (Scottish): an iron for branding casks. Obsolete.
a. An engraved stamp of metal or other hard material used to make an impression upon wax, etc. affixed as a ‘seal’ (in sense 1a or 2a). Cf. signet n.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > engraved stamp used for
inseila1000
seala1300
lead1340
signet1392
sinetc1440
jark1567
cashet1609
sigila1610
ring1637
cacheta1639
signet ring1726
cylinder seal1887
a1300 Cursor Mundi 557 Als prient of seel in wax es thrist, Þer in he has his licam fest.
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 103 As þe tendre wex makeþ no preynte in þe seel, bot þe seel makeþ a preynt in tendere wex.
1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 15 A dowbill seel with two prentys.
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1909) III. 657 The sealles [for marking cloth] to be put in a Cofre with ij keys.
1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. iii. 160 Neere vnto the mint stande the gold-smiths shops, whose Consul or gouernour keepes the seale and stamps of the coine.
a1601 W. Lambarde Archion (1635) 68 And then, thus have you the Chancellour furnished with the Seale of Grace, and Seale of Common Justice.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives III. 124 This seal he always wore, and constantly sealed his letters with it.
1863 C. Boutell Man. Heraldry xxiv. 319 In taking these impressions, two dies or matrices..were employed; these were severally called the Seal and Counter-Seal.
1879 A. S. Murray in Encycl. Brit. X. 137/2 The favourite shapes [of gems] in Assyria were the cylinder pierced lengthways, and sometimes fitted with a swivel so as to be used as a seal [etc.].
b. As a mark or sign of office. Chiefly the seals, as the symbol of the position of Lord Chancellor or of Secretary of State.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > symbol of office or authority > [noun] > specific
keyOE
sword?c1475
the seals?a1500
pillara1529
post1598
umbrella1653
akakia1731
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Preaching of Swallow l. 1707 in Poems (1981) 67 Syne cummis ver, quhen winter is away, The secretar off somer with his sell.
1667 King Charles II in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. IV. 316 As my purpose was also to say something to you concerning my taking the Seals from the Chancellor.
1710 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) VI. 571 A patent is passing the seales to create the marques of Kent a duke.
1775 Brit. Chronol. I. 3 Apr. 1704 The earl of Nottingham not being satisfied with the Queen's measures, resigned the seals as secretary of state.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 447 Sunderland..was suffered to retain his seals.
1870 Earl Stanhope Hist. Eng. i. 6 The King sent to him the Earl of Jersey, with a peremptory order to return the Seals.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > an officer of the court > [noun] > other court officials
Master of Request1548
Master of Request1560
doomster1609
seal1658
taxing-master1848
1658 P. Osborne Pract. Exchequer Court 102 The Seale of the Court. Is the Officer that keepeth the Seale of the Court all terme time under every Chanceller.
d. A device or inscription engraved on a seal.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > engraved stamp used for > device on seal
agalma1607
seal1610
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Ecclus. xlv. 14 A crowne of gold upon his miter graven with a seale of holines.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 244 He used the Helme of a ship for a seale in his ring.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I cxcviii. 102 The seal a sunflower; ‘Elle vous suit partout.’
1851 Ld. Tennyson Edwin Morris 105 She sent a note, the seal an Elle vous suit.
e. under the cold seal: see quot. 1832.
ΚΠ
1832 M. Bacon's Abridgm. Law (ed. 7) IV. 610 marg. note Sometimes new magistrates are added under the cold seal, as it is termed; that is, their names are indorsed on the old commission, and the seal is pro formâ, applied again to the same wax.
f. A trinket, containing either an engraved stone for sealing letters, or a flat stone or piece of coloured glass in imitation of this, formerly often worn as an ornamental appendage to a watch-guard. Hence applied in plural to the bunch of trinkets of this and other shapes worn in this manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > jewellery of specific shape or form > [noun] > pendant > fastened to a watch-chain or girdle
watch-seal1798
onion1811
seal1836
chatelaine1851
breloque1856
charm1865
watch-charm1898
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) x. 94 A gold watch-chain, and seals, depended from his fob.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs xxxiv. 130 A large plethoric man, with a bunch of seals in a large bow-windowed light waistcoat... His seals jingle as he walks.
ΚΠ
1692 in Extracts Rec. Convent. Burghs Scot. (1880) IV. 153 Each royall burrow that makes casks for export they are to keep ane burning sale,..and befor they be loadned the maker of the saids casks is..to call the visitor appoynted by the said toune whoe is to try the samen, and if sufficient to put the publict sale vpon them.
a. An assembly for the purpose of witnessing the affixing of the Great Seal to documents; a sealing by the Chancellor or the Commissioners having the custody of the Great Seal.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > types of deliberative or legislative assembly > [noun] > assembly to affix Great Seal
seal1660
1660 S. Pepys Diary 20 Aug. (1970) I. 226 Here I stayed and saw my Lord Chancellor come into his Great Hall, where wonderful how much company there was to expect him at a Seale.
1686 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 509 There being a Seale, it was feared we should be required to passe a Doquett, Dispensing with Dr. Obadia Walker.
1705 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) V. 602 This day the lord keeper held a public seal in the Middle Temple hall.
b. The place at which documents are sealed by the Chancellor. Obsolete. [After French sceau, ‘l'action de sceller, le temps et le lieu où l'on scelle’ (Littré).]
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal document > types of legal or official document > [noun] > document under privy seal > place where documents are sealed
privy seal?1406
seal-officea1627
seal1672
1672 in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 43 By a Clause there I am forbid to intermedle in ye passing of any Charters to Corporacions, wch for ye present stops that of Dundalke, for wch I had granted a Warrt, and it now stays at ye Seale til I can receive some directions from yr Lop.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > body and parts > antler > knob forming beginning or tip of
broach1575
button1575
croche1575
tenderlings1575
bud1593
peg1611
scrotcher1611
seal1611
velvet tip1638
crocket1870
offer1884
nubbin1978
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues The first putting out of a deeres head formerly cast; which our wood-men call, if it bee a red deeres, the burle, or seale.
6. technical (transferred use of sense 2.)
a. = dip-pipe n. at dip n.1 Compounds 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for making other articles > [noun] > gas-making equipment > parts of
condensator1804
condenser1809
gas retort1818
seal1853
seal-cup1872
seal-pipe1875
train1925
1853 S. Hughes Gas-works 197 When the whole of the gas-holder was out of the water and hanging in air (with the exception of the water seal).
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Seal 2. (Gas-works) a water-trap joint, as in gas-works, where the gas is drawn or forced beneath a plate, whose lower edge is beneath the level of the water in the tar-well.
1877 W. Richards Manuf. Coal Gas 172 In estimating the capacity of a tank and its corresponding holder, due allowance must be made for the height of the dip or seal.
b. The quantity of water or tar left in the dip-pipe for preventing the escape of gas.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > that which closes an aperture > means of preventing passage of gas or liquid > quantity of water or tar to prevent gas-leak
seal1877
1877 W. Richards Manuf. Coal Gas 210 An argument raised against telescopic gasholders is the liability of the water forming the lute, or seal, to freeze.
c. A small quantity of water left in a trap to prevent the escape of foul air from a sewer or drain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > that which closes an aperture > material or composition used for > water standing in a trap
sealing-water1884
seal1889
1889 Waring Sewerage 282 This trap lost one inch of its seal in five trials out of ten.
d. gen. Any means of preventing the passage of gas or liquid into or out of something, esp. at a place where two surfaces meet.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > that which closes an aperture > means of preventing passage of gas or liquid
register1612
water seal1847
water lock1863
seala1884
a1884 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Suppl. 788/1 Seal, an automatic valve closing a pipe.
1884 Waring in Cent. Mag. Dec. 263/1 The depth of seal is the distance from the surface of the water in the bowl to the top of the intake.
1938 J. Strong Mod. Physical Lab. Pract. iv. 152 A method of making a vacuum-tight seal between metal and porcelain.
1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Autobook x. 118/2 The seal..is compressed on the forward stroke to prevent leakage past the plunger.
1974 Encycl. Brit. Macropædia XIII. 857/2 Metal-can closures operate by..vacuum seals (which rely on atmospheric pressure on the lid).
Compounds
General attributive. C1. Objective.† seal-cutter n. Obsolete
ΚΠ
a1625 J. Fletcher Rule a Wife (1640) iv. 52 Brick me into that wall there for a chimney peece, And say I was one oth Cæsars, done by a seale-cutter.
seal-cutting n.
ΚΠ
1847 Ld. Lindsay Sketches Hist. Christian Art I. p. ccix (note) A complete classification should include artists in wood~carving, in cisellatura or goldsmiths' work, in medal-casting, gem and seal-cutting.
seal-engraver n.
ΚΠ
1786 J. Wedgwood Let. 24 June in Sel. Lett. (1965) 295 The material..is..nearly as hard as agate... It will bear to be cut..at the seal-engraver's lathe.
1842 G. W. Francis Dict. Arts Seal engraver's lathe.
seal-engraving n.
ΚΠ
1948 D. Diringer Alphabet 73 From E.M.I. (thirtieth century B.C.) onwards, seal-engraving was practised.
seal-keeper n. figurative
ΚΠ
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxix Seale keepers [L. sigilliferi], Notaries, and such other lyke.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xv. 134 Why should he not declare himself..seal-keeper of that young woman's conscience?
C2. Special combinations: † seal-day n. Guernsey Obsolete a date fixed for the meeting of a State Council at which official papers received the seal. † seal-office n. Obsolete = sense 4b, also allusively. † seal-wax n. Obsolete = sealing-wax n.† seal-work n. Obsolete ornamentation resembling that of a seal.
seal-bag n. the case in which the official seals were formerly kept ( Cent. Dict. 1891).
seal-cup n. in gas-works, the receptacle for tar or water in a seal or dip-pipe:
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for making other articles > [noun] > gas-making equipment > parts of
condensator1804
condenser1809
gas retort1818
seal1853
seal-cup1872
seal-pipe1875
train1925
1872 W. C. Holmes & Co. Manag. Gas Works 108 Care should be taken to keep the seal-cups of telescopic gas~holders..free from ice.
1874 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. I. 705/1 The seal-cup is charged with tar.
seal-cylinder n. = cylinder n. 4a.
ΚΠ
1871 P. Smith Anc. Hist. East xvi. §10. 338 (caption) Seal-Cylinder on metal axis.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > types of deliberative or legislative assembly > [noun] > assembly to affix Great Seal > day of (Guernsey)
seal-day?c1682
?c1682 J. Warburton Treat. Hist. Guernsey (1822) 93 At the next seal-day..it may be sealed.
seal-flower n. the plant Dicentra spectabilis (Miller Plant-names 1884).
seal-lock n. a lock fitted with a ‘seal’ (often a small square of glass) which must be broken before the lock can be opened.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > lock > other types of lock
inlock1488
treble lock1680
French lock1787
ringlock1789
thumb-lock1801
bar-lock1828
permutation lock1835
check-lock1850
pin lock1851
time lock1858
garret-lock1860
dead lock1866
seal-lock1871
dead-latch1874
Bramah-lock1875
cylinder lock1878
police lock1910
ziplock1956
solenoid lock1976
D-lock1990
1871 Brit. Patent 1440 Chronol. Index 325 Seal-lock manufacturer.
seal-master n. an official whose duty was to affix a seal to textile fabrics as a guarantee of the standard of excellence, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > [noun] > one who affixes seal to as guarantee of quality
seal-master1905
1905 Rec. Cloth Manuf. New Mills (S.H.S.) Introd. 75 No cloth could be sold unless it was sealed by the official seal-master.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal document > types of legal or official document > [noun] > document under privy seal > place where documents are sealed
privy seal?1406
seal-officea1627
seal1672
a1627 W. Rowley & T. Middleton Wit at Severall Weapons i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Iiiiii4/2 Here's first my hand, now't goes to the Seale Office. [Kisses her.]
1819 W. P. Taunton Rep. Cases Comm. Pleas VII. 182 Until which hour, by the rule of Court, the seal-office ought not to be shut.
seal-paper n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1848 J. S. Smith Handbk. Pract. Crt. Chancery iv. 51 There are no fixed days for hearing the several kinds of business before the Court, but previously to the commencement of the sittings, the Court issues a seal paper, detailing the business for each day.
seal-pipe n. in gas-works, = dip-pipe n. at dip n.1 Compounds 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > equipment for making other articles > [noun] > gas-making equipment > parts of
condensator1804
condenser1809
gas retort1818
seal1853
seal-cup1872
seal-pipe1875
train1925
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Seal-pipe (Gas), a pipe whose inlet or exit is beneath the surface of the water in a hydraulic main to prevent reflux of gas.
Thesaurus »
seal-press n. a machine for embossing a device upon paper or other soft material (E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. 1875).
seal-ring n. a finger ring bearing a seal (cf. signet n. 3).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > ring > [noun] > seal- or signet-ring
signet ring1542
seal-ring1608
1608 T. Middleton Your Fiue Gallants sig. D3v My Grandfathers seale ring.
1866 J. Ayre Treas. Bible Knowl. (1870) 804/2 According to Jewish writers the Hebrew women used seal rings.
seal-stamp n. = seal-press n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > marking tools > [noun] > stamping tools > for soft material
seal-stamp1851
seal-press1875
1851 M. Reid Scalp Hunters II. iv. 57 The brass seal-stamp of the merchant's clerk.
seal-stone n. a precious stone bearing an engraved device.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > [noun] > piece or article of > carved or incised
cameo1561
camaieu1596
intaglio1654
seal-stone1774
gem1791
1774 J. Hill tr. Theophrastus Hist. Stones 42 Hence the Word Seal Stone, σϕραγίς or σϕραγίδιον, became with them a common Word for what we call Gem.
1900 E. Clodd Story of Alphabet iii. 51 Seal-stones engraved with signs which are..designed to convey information about their owners.
seal-top adj. (of a spoon) having the handle finished with a seal (also elliptical as noun).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > setting table > table utensils > [noun] > cutlery > spoon > types of
maidenhead1495
slipc1530
Apostle spoon1631
tea-spoon1686
hall-spoon1688
pap spoon1691
tablespoon1741
dessert-spoon1808
salt-spoon1820
monkey spoon1833
Puritan spoon1875
sugar shell1895
seal-top1898
slotted spoon1900
absinthe spoon1905
trifid1927
1898 Daily News 11 July 10/5 A 16th century seal-top spoon.
1905 Circle May 35/1 An Elizabethan spoon, mark St. Catherine's wheel, £50; a ‘seal-top’, of the same reign, engraved L.C.F.M., £48.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > sealing wax
wax971
sealing-wax13..
hard wax1603
stick1662
seal-wax1741
kiss1829
1741 Mem. Martinus Scriblerus xiv. 51 in A. Pope Wks. II He saw his Monkey exceedingly busy in picking the Seal-wax by little bits from a Letter.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 146 La Fleur..fetch'd sand and seal-wax.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > ornamental art and craft > [noun] > types of work
bowge-work1597
seal-work1648
rosework1680
splash-work1797
swell-work1833
spatter-work1856
ferronnerie1888
onlay1890
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. H4 A thin Subtile and ductile Codlin's skin; Which o're the board is smoothly spred, With little Seale-work Damasked.
seal-wort n. (a) Sagina procumbens; (b) = Solomon's seal n. (Polygonatum).
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Caryophyllaceae (chickweeds and allies) > [noun] > pearlwort
pearlwort1650
seal-wort1837
pearl weed1887
sagina1962
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > lily and allied flowers > Solomon's seal or star of Bethlehem
whitewort?c1400
Solomon's seal1543
dog's onion1548
white root1548
ornithogalum1562
Our Lady's cowslip1565
St John's seal1567
star of Bethlehem1573
ornithogal1578
field onion1582
Polygonatum1597
star of Bethlehem1629
Ladder to Heaven1640
Star of Naples1722
smilacina1808
seal-wort1837
lady's seal1870
peep of day1882
morning star1890
chinkerinchee1926
1837 W. Baxter Brit. Phænogamous Bot. III. 199 Sagina procumbens..Seal-wort.
1863 R. C. A. Prior On Pop. Names Brit. Plants Seal-wort,..the Solomon's seal.
Draft additions March 2006
seal of approval n. a sanction or endorsement, sometimes formally awarded but usually without this implication; an indication of satisfaction or acceptance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > ratification or confirmation > [noun]
confirmment1297
confirmationc1330
ratification1420
affirminga1425
interination1489
confirmance1588
rate?1611
endorsement1633
firmation1684
verification1789
seal of approval1833
interinement1883
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > [noun] > expression of approval
suffrage1566
vote1608
seal of approval1833
accolade1852
back-pat1894
nod1924
nice one1970
like2009
1833 Amer. Q. Observer Oct. 297 Tried by the standard of wholesome moral influence, how few are the works of polite literature, which are entitled to the seal of approval!
1891 Old & New Test. Student 12 273 God..set his seal of approval on the devout deed.
1937 C. S. Wyand Econ. Consumption x. 273 This product..carried the seal of approval of the Good Housekeeping magazine's investigating bureau.
1967 Harper's Mag. Nov. 62/2 Pops lightly brushed my open palm in a half-slap, the jive set's seal of approval.
1972 Daily Tel. 12 June 2/6 It will be illegal for shops to sell crash helmets which do not have the BSI's ‘kitemark’ seal of approval.
2002 Outlook (New Delhi) 23 Sept. 12/1 The home ministry's favourite project..of issuing national I-cards to all citizens of the country received the prime minister's seal of approval on August 15.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sealn.3
Obsolete exc. dialect.
= sale n.3 Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > general equipment > [noun] > tether
tether1376
sealc1440
solec1440
picket line1768
head rope1810
leg rope1826
trail-rope1826
lariat1835
riata1846
mecate1849
hitching-weight1852
tie-strap1875
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 452/1 Sele, horsys harneys, arquillus.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 269/1 Seale horse harnesse.
1597 in J. Stuart Misc. Spalding Club (1841) I. 179 Scho tuik tua oxin, and band in on seill.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 135 Cattle are bound to the stake in various ways. One way is with an iron chain, commonly called a binder or seal.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 136 The seal~stake is placed in an inclined position to allow its top to be fastened to the wall.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
sealn.4
Obsolete exc. dialect.
1. A willow. In Spenser: Willow twigs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > tree or shrub groups > willow and allies > [noun] > willow
sallowa700
willowa750
withy961
withec1340
saugh1368
yolster1387
willow-treec1425
wailea1510
wrig1564
seal1579
sallow withe1657
wilger1682
werg1707
sollar1733
salix1775
fen-oak1886
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plants cultivated or valued for their many uses > [noun] > trees or shrubs having many uses > willow
willowa750
withy961
osierc1175
withenc1230
withec1340
yolster1387
willow-treec1425
osier tree1500
wailea1510
wrig1564
spert1578
seal1579
siler1607
palm-withy1609
sallow withe1657
gelster1670
wilger1682
osier willow1693
werg1707
weeping willow1731
sollar1733
salix1775
red osier1807
mourning willow1813
palm willow1869
fen-oak1886
bat-willow1907
cricket bat willow1907
sedge-willow1908
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Dec. 81 Who to entrappe the fish in winding sale Was better seene, or hurtful beastes to hont?
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Gloss. Sale or Salow, a kind of woodde like Wyllow.
1682 in Quarter Sessions Rec. (N. Riding Rec. Soc.) (1889) VII. 57 For cutting and carrying away twenty seales.
1795 Trans. Soc. Arts 13 157 Seals, Black Cherry Trees, Balm of Gilead Trees.
1882 J. Lucas Stud. Nidderdale 116 In Sykes Moss, most of the buried trees are sealhs, oaks, and birches.
2. A plantation of willow trees.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > tree or shrub groups > willow and allies > [noun] > assemblage of
holt1611
salicetum1776
seal1794
1794 J. Donaldson Gen. View Agric. Northampton 34 The forest under~wood, through the whole sale, or part which is cut, does not in general bring above 4l.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
sealn.5
Obsolete exc. dialect.
(See quot. 1756.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > salt manufacture > [noun] > place of
wich716
saltern858
salt-housec1000
wich-work1298
salt-cotec1425
wich-house1534
walling-house1556
salt-works1566
marsh-work1587
saltfata1647
salt-makinga1647
salt-pan1708
brine-seeth1748
seal1756
rope-house1850
walling shed1894
saltery1899
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters ii. 35 The houses in which the salt works are carried on..are also called Seals.
1882 E. L. Chamberlain Gloss. W. Worcs. Words Sales, or Seals, salt~works. (Droitwich.)
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
sealv.1
/siːl/, U.S. /si(ə)l/ I. To attest by a seal.† 4. † b. figurative. To assent, lend one's support or authority to a statement or proposal. Obsolete.† c. figurative ? To make peace. Obsolete.
1. absolute.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 1162 The Bruce and he completyt furth thar bande, Syn that sammyn nycht thai sellyt with thar hande.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 337 Thir to confirme, the king ilk ane seilis, and euerie ane than seilit, conforme to the Queines pleisure.1685 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 494 Attended by three of the Clearks of the Signet, we met, & sealed.1692 R. L'Estrange Fables ix. 9 Wherefore Friendships, Charities, and Kindnesses, should be well Weigh'd and Examin'd,..before we Sign and Seal.1817 W. Scott Rob Roy I. ix. 209 How does Farmer Rutledge?.. I hope you found him able to sign, seal, and deliver?1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 118 To-morrow, Sutherland, we sign and seal.
a. transitive. To place a seal upon (a document) as evidence of genuineness, or as a mark of authoritative ratification or approval.In legal use often coupled with sign or deliver; now chiefly in the full phrase ‘signed, sealed, and delivered’, indicating the complete execution of a deed.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (transitive)]
markOE
sein1258
sign1258
asseal1297
seal1338
affix1456
embull?a1475
signet1496
consign1623
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 29 Of him haf þei chartre seled with his seale.
a1400 Old Usages Winchester in Eng. Gilds (1870) 359 Myd wham men seleþ þe chartres of ffeffement of þe town.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 11 Whan thou shalt commaunde eny lettres to thy klerke to be made, signe nor seale them not til thou haue ouerseen thaim.
1592 W. West Symbolæogr.: 1st Pt. §104 To do, suffer & make seale & deliuer al such assurances..as shal be deuised.. by the said R.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. iii. 143 Goe with me to a Notarie, seale me there Your single bond. View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1653 (1955) III. 80 I went to Lond: & sealed some of the Writings of my Purchase of Sayes-Court.
1700 J. Tyrrell Gen. Hist. Eng. II. 763 The King's Charter which was formerly Sealed with Wax,..was now Sealed with Gold.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 192 They only desired one general Writing under my Hand for the whole, which I caused to be drawn up and sign'd and seal'd to them.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) IV. 138 The deed was sealed and delivered, but no livery of seisin was given.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 427 The Privy Council..ordered the Charter to be sealed.
b. figurative. To authenticate or attest solemnly by some act compared to the affixing of a seal.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > ratification or confirmation > confirm or ratify [verb (transitive)] > by affixing seal or stamp > by act comparable to fixing of a seal
seal1595
1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 v. vii. 29 The dutie that I owe vnto your, Maiestie, I seale vpon the rosiate lips of this sweet babe.
a1600 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xix. 68 This commoun weil he luifit sa tenderlie,..His lufe to it he schew maist faithfullie, And with his blude he seillit it up at last.
1655 E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 275 Hee is resolued to credit nothing contrary to ye relation hee hath receiued, which though ye informer should seale with ten thousand sacraments will one day to his shame appeare notoriously false.
a1771 T. Gray Epit. Sir W. Williams in Poems (1775) 62 The first in blood his infant honor seal'd.
c. To conclude, ratify, render binding (an agreement, etc.) by affixing the seals of the parties to the instrument. Also figurative, to ratify or clinch (a bargain) by some ceremonial act.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > ratification or confirmation > confirm or ratify [verb (transitive)] > by affixing seal or stamp
seal1488
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) viii. l. 1567 Thai seyllyt the pes with-out langar delay.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cv Hereof were obligations made and sealed in the later ende of Nouember.
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. L They plighted faith and troth, and Carmela..sealed it with a kisse.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 88 When they sell houses or lands, they bring a tun of beere or vessell of wine into the streete, and seale the bargaine by drinking with their neighbours.
1719 E. Young Busiris iii. 36 Before the rising Sun my Lord arrives, To seal our Vows.
1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems 133 Brides..and Bridegrooms..By Love or Law compell'd their Vows to seal.
1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece II. xiii. 164 Peace was concluded, and sealed by a marriage.
d. To grant (a charter, etc.) under one's seal; †figurative to give (testimony, a promise, etc.) in an authoritative manner or with solemn pledges of good faith.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > guarantee
fast?a1160
pledge?a1439
assure1447
ensure1460
avouch1548
ratify1599
seal1628
underwrite1838
warrant1849
society > law > transfer of property > types of transfer > [verb (transitive)] > grant by charter or deed > grant a charter under one's seal
seal1628
1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. §534 And as to the disseisee who sealed the same Deed, this shall enure but by way of confirmation.
a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xxxi. 97 The University in his youth, and the countrey in his riper age, may, and will seale him a worthy testimony for a Gentleman.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Custome of Countrey v. v, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Cc4v/1 My hospitable word..Did I not Seale still to thee?
1660 S. Pepys Diary 17 Mar. (1970) I. 90 This day..I did..seal my will to her [sc. my wife], whereby I did give her all that I have in the world.
e. To impose (an obligation, a penalty) on a person in a binding manner.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > obedience > compulsion > compel [verb (transitive)] > force or impose something upon > in binding manner
seal1622
1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir v. sig. L2v Who for the same cause in my presence seald His holy anger on his daughters hearts.
1633 J. Ford Broken Heart iii. i. sig. F4v You haue seal'd ioy close to my soule.
1870 C. J. Vaughan Earnest Words 110 A man who can speak thus..seems..to have sealed upon himself that which God never meant him for—a life of hardness and a death of despair!
f. figurative. Of a thing or act: To attest or ratify as a seal does; to be a ‘seal’ of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > ratification or confirmation > confirm or ratify [verb (transitive)] > by affixing seal or stamp > of thing or act: as a seal does
seal1648
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. M6v No Planke from Hallowed Altar..do's seale A curse to Thee, or Thine.
1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 178 Extream Unction is a Sacrament: therefore, it sealeth spiritual graces.
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xvii. 246 Then with his sable Brow he gave the Nod, That seals his Word.
1888 C. A. Lane Notes Eng. Church Hist. II. xxviii. 233 Those whose profession of Christianity had been sealed by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
g. To decide irrevocably (the fate of a person or thing); to complete and place beyond dispute or reversal (a victory, defeat, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > judge, determine [verb (transitive)] > irrevocably
seal1810
the mind > will > necessity > fate or destiny as determining events > predestine or predetermine [verb (transitive)] > irrevocably decide fate
seal1810
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make sure, secure [verb (transitive)]
fand1307
firm1530
to make sure1565
secure1601
warranta1616
assure1622
incertain1628
insure1686
sickera1693
ensure1744
seal1810
guarantee1820
ice1908
1810 P. B. Shelley Posthumous Fragm. M. Nicholson 9 Fate, envious Fate, has sealed my wayward destiny.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna iv. xxv. 87 Why pause the victor swords to seal his overthrow?
1834 T. Pringle Afr. Sketches v. 197 A gun was levelled,..to seal the fate of this brave and generous officer.
1837 B. Disraeli Venetia II. 76 To-morrow would seal his triumph.
1867 S. Smiles Huguenots Eng. & Ireland iv. 88 The massacre of Saint Bartholomew..sealed the fate of Mary Stuart.
2.
a. To mark by a seal as reserved for a particular destination. Chiefly figurative, esp. in certain uses of New Testament origin: To designate, set apart, assign to another person or bind together, by an inviolable token or pledge.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > designation > designate [verb (transitive)]
seala1225
designa1398
representa1645
sign1654
ticket1654
designate1677
signature1740
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (transitive)] > secure with seal
inseil?a1000
seala1225
sigillate1471
a1225 St. Marher. 4 He hit wat ful wel þe haueð iseilet to him me seolf.
c1230 Hali Meid. (Bodl.) 14/128 Ant tu..þet art iloten to him with meiðhades merke, ne brec þu nawt þet seil þet seileð inc to gederes.
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iv. 293 Syn ye Cryseyde and me han fully brought In-to your grace and boþe our hertes seled, How may ye suffre allas it be repeled?
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Rev. vii. 3 [The angel] cryed..saying: hurt not the erth..tyll I have sealed [Wycl. 1382 til we signe, 1388 til we marken] the seruauntes of oure god in their foreheddes.
1596 E. Spenser View State Ireland in Wks. (Globe) 646 I doe not blame the christening of them, for to be sealed with the marke of the Lambe..I hold it a good and gracious woorke.
1630 J. Shirley Gratefull Seruant iii. i Hath some wound, Or other dire mis-fortune, seal'd him for The grave.
1827 R. Pollok Course of Time II. x. 239 Have not all my money, all my love, Been sealed and stamped with signature of heaven?
1865 J. R. Seeley Ecce Homo (ed. 8) iv. 32 God, who had sealed that [Abraham's] family for himself.
b. In allusions to Revelation vii. 5–8.In the original passage the verb is not really construed with of, as in the imitative use.
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Rev. vii. 5–8 Of the trybe of Iuda were sealed xij. M... Of the trybe of Beniamin were sealed xij. thousande. [Similarly 1611.]]
a1637 B. Jonson Under-woods xlvii, in Wks. (1640) III An Epistle answering to one that asked to be Sealed of the Tribe of Ben.
1906 Macmillan's Mag. Apr. 441 He was a king among us [sc. fishermen],—if two long seasons..may entitle the writer of this modest tribute to account himself sealed of the tribe.
c. Among the Mormons, to set apart (a woman) by a solemn ceremony to a man as one of his ‘spiritual wives’.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > be or cause to be spiritual [verb (transitive)] > set apart as spiritual wife
seal1857
1857 J. Hyde Mormonism 84 (Bartlett 1860) People, according to Mormon technology, are married for time, but sealed for eternity.
3. To impress a seal upon (weights or measures) to indicate that their correctness has been tested by municipal or other lawful authority. Also, to place an official stamp on (merchandise, e.g. pieces of cloth) to certify that it is of standard measure or quality.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > mark of quality > put quality mark on [verb (transitive)]
seal1467
kite-mark1960
rosette1974
society > communication > indication > marking > mark of quality > put quality mark on [verb (transitive)] > weights or measures
enseal1467
seal1467
1467 Coventry Leet Bk. 334 The mesuris to be delyueryd by the comyn seriant to delyuer hem selyd with-owt money~takyng therfor.
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1909) III. 657 A Sealer to be ordeyned & sworne to stryke the Cloth & seale hit & wrete hit & fynde leed & to haue a peny for his labor.
1615 R. Brathwait Strappado 6 Those Who are appointed by their charge to know, Whether thy pots be sealed yea or no.
1862 G. A. Sala Seven Sons Mammon III. 4 I wonder they did not ask to see..the cat-o'-nine-tails, sealed with the seal of the visiting justice.
a. intransitive. (Cf. 1 absol.) To set one's seal (to a document). Also spec. to set one's seal to or execute a promissory note; to become security for a person. Also to seal under. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > pledge or deposit as security [verb (transitive)] > be or give surety for
wage1362
awarranta1400
pledge?a1439
warrant1478
to seal under1523
warrantise?1533
borrow1609
undertake1609
suretya1616
stipulate1737
guaranty1753
guarantee1797
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (intransitive)]
seal1523
sign1638
the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > give assurance or stand surety [verb (intransitive)]
to lay one's life, head, to wed971
to find (take) God, Mahoun, St. Blase, St. George, etc. to borrowa1330
again-behotea1382
to make (also do) faitha1382
pledge1458
to make (also give) warrantisea1535
undertake1548
subscribe1600
underwrite1623
seal1633
underwritea1657
hedge1676
vouch1687
to stand surety (or security)1776
to take warrant on oneself1828
stipulate1829
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxiii. 263 At the request of the kyng of Englande, the frenche kyng..confyrmed and sealed to the gyfte of syr John Chandos, he to possede and to haue the same landes, as his true heritage for euer.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. ii. 79 Hee borrowed a boxe of the eare of the Englishman, and swore hee would pay him againe when he was able: I think the Frenchman became his suretie, and seald vnder for another. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. iii. 170 Yes Shylocke, I will seale vnto this bond. View more context for this quotation
1633 S. Marmion Fine Compan. iii. iv. F 1 b Hee is either trudging now vnto a broaker, Or to invite some new heire to a breakefast, To seale for the commodity.
a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) i. ii. 25 At the Academie of valour..where they are taught the ways, Though they refuse to seal for a Duellist, How to decline a challenge.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assent > [verb (transitive)]
cordc1380
to give handsa1425
to fall to ——a1450
agree1472
to go into ——1540
astipulate1548
subscribe1560
seal1579
suffragate1606
give1621
assent1637
homologate1644
to take up with1673
affirmative1775
chorus1836
yea-say1887
yes1915
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue f. 10 It is sufficient..that if they lauish out any vntruth, that I be pardoned for not sealyng vnto it.
1607 G. Chapman Bussy D'Ambois iii. 34 I seale to that.
1665 M. Nedham Medela Medicinæ 353 And pray you, who is ignorant of this truth? Not an old woman in all the Town but will seal to it.
1683 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) I. 282 85 were for sealing to the regulation required by his majestie, and 103 against it.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > peace > pacification > make peace [verb (intransitive)]
to make grithc1000
grith11..
to make peace?a1160
peasec1300
to inform the peace?a1400
to bury the hatchet1535
seal1596
pacificate1646
to beat swords into ploughshares1924
Locarnize1925
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. N2 I haue not yet seald and shakt hands with him for making two such false Prophets of Saturne & Iupiter.
II. To fasten with or as with a seal.
5.
a. transitive. To fasten (a folded letter or other document) with melted wax or some other plastic material and impress a seal upon this, so that opening is impossible unless the seal is broken.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > seal up > seal with wax > documents or letters
seal?c1225
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 284 As king þe..sent his sonden biforen..wið lettres isealed. [Cf. below: as lettres iopened.]
a1400 Arthur 272 Þis lettre was celyd fast, Y-take the Messagerez on hast.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxxi. 619 He drough oute the letter of kynge Rion, that was seled with x seles roiall.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cvv They wryte an aunswere to the Emperour..and deliuered the same sealed to the intercessours.
1616 R. Cocks Diary (1883) I. 113 I sealed up my packet letters for England.
1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 10 Nov. (1948) I. 90 I will seal my letter early.
1809 R. K. Porter Travelling Sketches Russia & Sweden I. ii. 14 [Nelson] desired Colonel Stewart to send some one below for a light, that he might seal his dispatch.
1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond iii This letter, sealed with his lordship's own crown.
b. Said of the signet itself.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > seal up > seal with wax > documents or letters > said of the seal
seal1847
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxv. 313 The very seal that sealed it had been robbed from George's dead body as it lay on the field of battle.
c. To stamp the wax fastening (a letter) with something substituted for a seal.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (transitive)] > with substitute
seal1719
1719 Free-thinker No. 108. 2 In breaking open the Second Letter, I observed, it was sealed with a Thimble.
d. To fasten up (a letter, a parcel) with sealing-wax, a wafer, gum, or the like.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > seal up > seal with wax
seal1818
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 71 She sealed her letters carefully, and put them into the post-office with her own hand.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair liii. 475 This letter, sealed with a wafer, was dispatched by one of the messengers.
6.
a. To place a seal upon the opening of (a door, a chest, etc.) for security. Also with up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > seal up > put a seal on the opening of
seal1398
plumba1722
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum i. 8 And notwythstondynge that his sepulcre or graue was seelyd and syned & kept with knightes yet the thyrde day he rose in his humanite.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17348 Þai..did to sper þe dors fast, Locked bath wit-vte and in And seild wit þair seiles tuin.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet v. ii. 11 The Searchers of the Towne..Seald vp the doores, and would not let vs forth. View more context for this quotation
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. viii. 69 Then Mrs. Boffin and me seal up his box..and..I come down here in search of a lawyer to advise.
1891 C. Roberts Adrift in Amer. 56 When the train is composed mainly of empty cars, the doors are often open, and never sealed... But when they are full the little end doors are usually bolted, and the side doors sealed with a little leaden button or tag. It is an indictable offence to break these.
b. In figurative phrases, esp. to seal (a person's) lips, to bind or constrain to silence or secrecy; to seal (a person's) eyes or ears, to render blind or deaf, also to restrain from looking or listening. Also with up.In to seal the eyes, this verb is not always distinguishable from the figurative use of seel v.2
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > hear [verb (transitive)] > listen to > restrain from hearing
to seal (a person's) eyes or ears1633
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > not seeing or preventing from seeing > prevent from seeing [verb (transitive)] > blindfold or cover eyes
blindfold?c1225
to stop (a person's) eyes or sightc1380
enclose1477
silec1500
hoodwink1562
muffle1573
scarf1598
bluff1673
to seal (a person's) eyes or ears1700
bonnet1828
blink1846
occlude1921
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > keep secret [verb (transitive)] > bind to secrecy
seal1782
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > be silent/refrain from speaking [verb (intransitive)] > restrain a person or oneself from speaking
to stop (one's own or another's) mouthc1384
seal1782
1633 S. Marmion Fine Compan. ii. ii. E 4 b I would seale my eares, Deafe as the sea, to shiprack't marriners.
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 131 Sleep did his Office soon, and seal'd his Sight.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia I. i. viii. 113 I make it quite a principle to seal up my lips the moment I perceive him.
1814 Ld. Byron Lara ii. xxii. 1184 And seal'd is now each lip that could have told.
1864 R. Browning James Lee's Wife iv. iii Seal my sense up for your sake?
1888 Sat. Rev. 4 Feb. 140/1 The two Ruthvens' mouths were thus sealed for ever.
7.
a. To place in a receptacle secured by a seal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclosing or confining > enclose or confine [verb (transitive)] > in a place or receptacle
shut13..
sealc1420
lockc1460
to lock up1568
enlock1596
to lock away1755
c1420 Brut 355 Þay waged batayle & cast doun her gloues; & þanne þey were take vp and seled, and the day & þe place of batayle assygned at Couyntre.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 708/2 I have sent him all his writynges sealed in a bagge.
1554 in J. R. Boyle Early Hist. Town & Port of Hedon (1895) App. p. lxxxi Thover plus of money..shalbe bagged and seallyde with xijth sealis.
b. Chess. to seal a move. Of a player in a match or tournament: To place in a sealed envelope a statement of the move he intends to make when the game is resumed after an adjournment.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [verb (transitive)] > place intended move in sealed envelope
to seal a move1891
1891 Daily News 16 Jan. 2/4 [This] move was sealed by Mr. Gunsberg at the adjournment. It is worthy of note that so far Mr. Steinitz has not sealed a move.
8.
a. To close (a vessel, an aperture, etc.) securely by placing a coating of wax, cement, or lead, over the orifice, or, in wider sense, by any kind of fastening that must be broken before access can be obtained. to seal hermetically: see the adverb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > seal up
inseil?a1000
asseal1297
enseala1340
sigillate1471
cerea1616
obsigillate1623
seal1661
1661 Mr. Clayton in T. Birch Hist. Royal Soc. (1756) I. 54 The spirit of wine must be the highest rectified. It will do better in a bolt-head sealed up hermetically.
1682 G. Hartman Digby's Choice Coll. Rare Secrets i. 32 Then Seal it Hermetically.
1853 S. Hughes Gas-works 195 The cylinder..may be described as a cylinder inverted over a cistern of water, both the inlet and outlet pipes having their orifices above the surface of the water, so that the gas is hermetically sealed up within the holder, and can only escape through the outlet-pipe.
1877 W. Richards Manuf. Coal Gas 210 No ill effects are experienced—at least, so long as the holder remains sealed.
b. Surgery. To close up (a wound) with a covering that is not to be removed until healing has taken place.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by topical applications > treat by topical applications [verb (transitive)] > dress a wound > type of dressing
seal1862
bipp1916
1862 Med. Times & Gaz. 6 Dec. 601/2 July 1.—The ulcer was sealed. 4th.—Unsealed, and found to be diminished in circumference half-an-inch; re-sealed.
1863 Lancet 8 Aug. 177/2.
1879 St. George's Hosp. Rep. 9 659 Another method of practice handed down from very ancient times..is to seal up the wound.
c. To render (a surface of wood, etc.) impervious by the application of a special coating.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > build or construct with wood [verb (transitive)] > season or preserve
beek1483
beath1496
season1545
sap1725
kyanize1843
creosote1846
Paynize1850
Burnettize1867
Powellize1913
air-season1917
pressure-treat1922
recondition1931
seal1940
1940 H. T. Davey Wood Finishing xvii. 202 When dealing with inlays it is best to seal them with shellac before attempting to spray.
1958 Listener 18 Dec. 1055/2 If you still want a glossy finish, you must seal the hard~board first, and the easiest way of doing that is to apply a thin coat of plastic emulsion paint.
1977 Reader's Digest Bk. Do-It-Yourself Skills & Techniques iv. 140/3 Some porous timbers may require two light coats, but do not apply any more than is needed to seal the surface.
d. To prevent access to and egress from (an area or space); to close (entrances) for this purpose. Usually with off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > shut up (a place)
steeka1250
shut1340
to shut in1390
spear1445
seclude1451
to shut up1530
mure1550
block1630
lock1773
to lock up1824
seal1931
to sew up1962
to lock down1980
1931 Industr. & Engin. Chem. (Analyt. ed.) 15 Oct. 349/2 The tube is immersed in liquid air, and when the gasoline is frozen, the area B is sealed off.
1946 A. Vagts Landing Operations iv. lix. 775 The Germans..concluded that they must try to seal off the Cotentin at its base.
1948 Sci. News 7 44 For the moment, treated areas are being ‘sealed’ by the total removal of all bush within a two-miles belt, and a watch is being kept to see what happens to the small remaining fly population.
1974 ‘M. Innes’ Mysterious Comm. xi. 99 This cellarage had..been boarded over and sealed off from the studio.
1981 E. Clark Send in Lions v. 53 The search..began immediately. Air and sea ports were sealed.
9.
a. To fasten on or down with wax or cement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > glue or stick down or shut
englue1393
seal1665
1665 R. Hooke Micrographia 38 When I have thus filled it, I can very easily in the..flame of a Lamp seal and joyn on the head of it.
1739 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Oct. (1966) II. 154 A gnat had saluted one of my eyes so roughly, that it was for two days absolutely sealed down.
1769 E. Bancroft Ess. Nat. Hist. Guiana 219 The glass is then to be filled with rum, and the cork sealed down, to prevent its exhalation.
b. figurative. To fasten, fix immoveably.
ΚΠ
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Mddx. 189 The hot Sun arising, sealeth (to use the Husbandmans Phrase) the Mildew upon the Straw.
1849 M. Arnold Forsaken Merman 82 But, ah, she gave me never a look, For her eyes were sealed to the holy book.
c. intransitive. To apply wax, etc. in fastening.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > become closed or shut [verb (intransitive)] > apply wax, etc., in fastening
seal1894
1894 S. R. Bottone Electr. Instr. Making (ed. 6) 191 He then immediately seals all round the cork..with good red sealing wax.
10. Building. transitive. To secure in position in a wall by means of mortar, cement, etc. [So French sceller.]
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build or construct [verb (transitive)] > unite with cement
cement1340
simmon1568
seal1662
simmer1725
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 242 Thence we were brought to the Kitchin... The great Cauldrons were all set in a row, and seal'd within the Wall.
11. transferred. To enclose, shut up within impenetrable barriers. Also, to confine so as to prevent access or egress, and with off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclosing or confining > enclose or confine [verb (transitive)] > with impenetrable barriers
seal1667
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 966 If from this houre Within these hallowd limits thou appeer, Back to th' infernal pit I drag thee chaind, And Seale thee so, as henceforth not to scorne The facil gates of hell too slightly barrd. View more context for this quotation
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam lv. 81 Shall..Man..Who loved, who suffer'd countless ills, Who battled for the True, the Just, Be blown about the desert dust, Or seal'd within the iron hills? View more context for this quotation
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xxi. 162 In case we should lose our vessels or become sealed up in permanent ice.
1926 R. W. Lawson tr. G. von Hevesy & F. A. Paneth Man. Radioactivity i. 2 If we seal off 1·3138 gm. RACl2..in an evacuated tube.
1940 W. Faulkner Hamlet ii. i. 140 We sealed it up in a asbestos matchbox.
1946 A. Vagts Landing Operations iv. lix. 774 The choice facing Rundstedt and Rommel was between an attempt to throw the Allies back into the sea.., or sealing them off in the Cotentin.
12.
a. transitive. To impress (a mark) upon.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > imprint [verb (transitive)] > with stamp or device > a stamp or device on
seala1225
print?a1425
feature1807
a1225 St. Marher. 5 He haueð his merke on me iseilet.
a1585 A. Montgomerie Flyting with Polwart 100 The castell ȝee weir well seiled on ȝour shoulder.
b. intransitive. To make marks like those on a seal. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > seal [verb (intransitive)] > make marks like seal
seal1567
1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest f. 20v That which is grauen or by any wyse sealed vppon.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sealv.2
/siːl/, U.S. /si(ə)l/ dialect.
transitive. ‘To bind or fasten (cattle) in their stalls’ ( Eng. Dial. Dict.).
ΚΠ
1634 R. Shuttleworth & J. Starkey in J. Webster Displaying Supposed Witchcraft (1677) 348 His Father bad him go and fetch home two Kine to seal.
1729 P. Walkden Diary 28 Oct. (1866) (modernized text) 61 Seeing her like for calving before morning, we brought her up and sealed her.
a1843 R. Southey Common-place Bk. (1851) 4th Ser. 552/1 The wife of E. Fearnley was sealing up the cows.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sealv.3
/siːl/, U.S. /si(ə)l/ intransitive. To hunt for seals.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > whaling and seal-hunting > seal-hunting > hunt seals [verb (intransitive)]
seal1827
swile1905
1827 P. Cunningham Two Years New S. Wales II. xxii. 75 Now we have four vessels constantly whaling; six sealing.
1891 Times 27 Jan. 7/1 The claims of the Victoria sealers for compensation in consequence of their not being permitted to seal in the Behring sea.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1c893
n.2c1230
n.3c1440n.41579n.51756v.1a1225v.21634v.31827- beasts of warren
- beasts, game, hounds of venery
- beastship
- beastwild
- beat
- beat a a thing into fits
- beat a bargain
- beat a brook
- beat a carpet
- beat a charge
- beat a curvet
- beat a drum
- beat a parley
- beat a path
- beat a person at etc own game
- beat a person at her own game
- beat a person at his own game
- beat a person black and blue
- beat a person into fits
- beat a person on the draw
- beat a person senseless
- beat a person stupid
- beat a person to the draw
- beat a person to the punch
- beat a person's head off