Signet
/ˈsɪɡ.nɪt/noun
A small seal, especially one used to mark documents or identify its owner.
Did you know?A signet was originally a personal seal, and its name comes from the same ancient root as words for signs, signals, and signatures—proof that marking something has always been a form of power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sekw-
“to follow; to notice, track”
Latin
Latin
signum
“a mark, sign, token, seal, or military standard”
Late Latin
Latin
signetum
“a little seal or signet”
Old French
Old French
signet
“a small seal or signet ring”
Middle English
English
signet
“a small seal used to stamp a mark on documents”
Modern English
English
signet
“a small seal, especially one used to mark documents or identify its owner”