Sealdie

Seal a die of stone, metal, or some other hard material, on which is engraved a device or motto to be stamped either on paper or on clay, wax, or some other substance in a plastic state to denote the source from which a document proceeds; also the actual impression which is thus produced. The ancient Egyptians frequently had seals attached to their rings, and the practice of sealing passed from them to the Romans, The bullae or impressions on lead introduced by the emperors who succeeded Constantine were likewise used as signatures by the Popes, who fastened them to docnments with bands of silk or wool. The seals of the French kings from the Merovingian period downwards form an interesting collection. In England under the Norman kings a seal affixed to a deed became a legal proof of its authenticity. It is still required to give validity to an instrument conveying real estate, but as subscription is also necessary the process of sealing is merely formal. Corporate seals have been used by towns and boroughs since the 12th century.

The Great Seal is the emblem of sovereignty, and is used on all solemn occasions when the will of the sovereign is to be expressed. A new Great Seal is provided by the king in council at the beginning of each reign or whenever a change is made in the royal arms or style, the old one being publicly broken. It was introduced into England by Edward the Confessor, who committed it to the care of the Chancellor. When the office of Chancellor was vacant through death or resignationn, the Great Seal was placed in the hands of a temporary keeper, who gradually came to exercise all the functions connected with its use. Since the accession of George III. the office of Lord Keeper has been discontinued. The Great Seal was also occasionally placed in commission. By the Act of Union with Scotland one Great Seal is used for the United Kingdom in all matters of pubhc import, but the Act of Union with Ireland contained no similar provision.

The Privy Seal is affixed to letters-patent for the grant of charters, etc., before they come to the Great Seal and to documents of minor importance which do not pass the Great Seal at all. The office of Clerk or Keeper of the Privy Seal, now called Lord Privy Seal, is of Norman origin. In the reign of Henry VIII. the Privy Seal was made the warrant of the legality of letters-patent from the Crown, and authorised the Lord Chancellor to affix the Great Seal. By the 47 & 48 Vict., cap. 30, however, a warrant under the royal sign-manual, regularly countersigned, has taken the place of the Privy Seal as an authonty for affixing the Great Seal.