Sphragis
/ˈsfra.ɡis/noun
A seal, signet, or mark used to secure or authenticate something.
Did you know?In Greek literature, a *sphragis* could function as an author’s ‘seal’ at the end of a poem, a verbal stamp of identity and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sphreg-
“to bind tightly, fasten, or make firm”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σφραγίς (sphragís)
“a seal, signet-ring, or mark used to authenticate”
Classical Greek
Greek
σφραγίζω (sphragízō)
“to seal, stamp, or close securely”
Late Latin
Latin
sphragis
“a seal or signet, borrowed from Greek”
Modern English
English
sphragis
“a seal or signature-like closing mark, especially in literary contexts”
Explore more surprising origins