~ 1
■ noun
1》 a device or substance used to join two things together or render something impervious.
↘the state or fact of being joined or rendered impervious with a ~.
2》 a piece of wax, lead, etc. with an individual design stamped into it, attached to a document as a guarantee of authenticity.
↘a design embossed in paper for this purpose.
↘an engraved device used for stamping a ~.
↘a decorative adhesive stamp.
3》 a confirmation or guarantee: a ~ of approval.
4》 ( the ~ or the ~ of the confessional ) the obligation on a priest not to divulge anything said during confession.
5》 the water standing in the trap of a drain to prevent foul air from rising.
■ verb
1》 fasten or close securely.
↘( ~ something off ) isolate an area by preventing or monitoring access to and from it.
2》 apply a non-porous coating to (a surface) to make it impervious.
3》 conclude, establish, or secure definitively: victory was ~ed.
4》 authenticate (a document) with a ~.
Phrases
my lips are ~ed I will not discuss or reveal a secret.
put (or set ) the ~ on finally confirm or conclude.
set (or put ) one's ~ to (or on) mark with one's distinctive character.
Derivatives
~able adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. seel (n.), seeler (v.), from L. sigillum 'small picture', dimin. of signum 'a sign'.
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~ 2
■ noun a fish-eating aquatic mammal with a streamlined body and feet developed as flippers. [Families Phocidae (the true ~s ) and Otariidae ( eared ~s ): many species.]
■ verb [usu. as noun ~ing ] hunt for ~s.
Origin
OE seolh , of Gmc origin.