ETYM French from cacher to hide.
A seal of approval; a mark of prestige.
(French) prestige; distinctive mark or quality; seal.r />
1. (French history) Lettre de cachet: the king could warrant imprisonment or death in a signed letter under his seal; SYN. lettre de cachet.
2. A seal on a letter; SYN. seal of approval.
3. An indication of approved or superior status; SYN. seal, seal of approval.
The act of coercing someone into government service; SYN. impressment.
ETYM Cf. French patente. Related to Patent.
1. A document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention.
2. An official document granting a right or privilege; SYN. letters patent.
Or letters patent; Documents conferring the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a limited period. Ideas are not eligible; neither is anything not new.
In the us, the period of patent is 17 years. In 1987 the us began issuing patents for new animal forms (new types of livestock and assorted organisms) being created by DNA research, recombinant dna, and other forms of genetic tampering.
A cancellation mark stamped on mail by postal officials; indicates the post office and date of mailing.
(Homonym: seel).
1. A stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it).
2. A finishing coating applied to seal out especially moisture.
3. A device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents; SYN. stamp.
4. A tight and perfect closure.
5. Mark or impression made in a block of wax to authenticate letters and documents. Seals were used in ancient China and are still used in China, Korea, and Japan.
ETYM Old Fren. signet a signet, French, a bookmark, dim. of signe. Related to Sign, Sennet.
(Homonym: cygnet).
A seal (especially one used to mark documents officially).
1. A block or die used to imprint a mark or design.
2. A symbol that is the result of printing; SYN. impression.<br />
3. A printed coupon issued by a postal service to show that payment for delivery has been made; is usually affixed to the envelope.
4. A type or class
5. A heavy bar that moves vertically for crushing ores; SYN. pestle.