Hypertext Webster Gateway: "signet"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Signet
a seal used to attest documents (Dan. 6:8-10, 12). In 6:17, this
word properly denotes a ring. The impression of a signet ring on
fine clay has recently been discovered among the ruins at
Nineveh. It bears the name and title of an Egyptian king. Two
actual signet rings of ancient Egyptian monarchs (Cheops and
Horus) have also been discovered.
When digging a shaft close to the south wall of the temple
area, the engineers of the Palestine Exploration Fund, at a
depth of 12 feet below the surface, came upon a pavement of
polished stones, formerly one of the streets of the city. Under
this pavement they found a stratum of 16 feet of concrete, and
among this concrete, 10 feet down, they found a signet stone
bearing the inscription, in Old Hebrew characters, "Haggai, son
of Shebaniah." It has been asked, Might not this be the actual
seal of Haggai the prophet? We know that he was in Jerusalem
after the Captivity; and it is somewhat singular that he alone
of all the minor prophets makes mention of a signet (Hag. 2:23).
(See {SEAL}.)
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Signet \Sig"net\, n. [OF. signet a signet, F., a bookmark, dim.
of signe. See {Sign}, n., and cf. {Sennet}.]
A seal; especially, in England, the seal used by the
sovereign in sealing private letters and grants that pass by
bill under the sign manual; -- called also {privy signet}.
I had my father's signet in my purse. --Shak.
{Signet ring}, a ring containing a signet or private seal.
{Writer to the signet} (Scots Law), a judicial officer who
prepares warrants, writs, etc.; originally, a clerk in the
office of the secretary of state.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
signet
n : a seal (especially one used to mark documents officially)
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