[seal] n, pl seals also seal [ME sele, fr. OE seolh; akin to OHG selah seal] (bef. 12c) 1: any of numerous carnivorous marine mammals (families Phocidae and Otariidae) that live chiefly in cold regions and have limbs modified into webbed flippers adapted primarily to swimming; esp: a fur seal or hair seal as opposed to a sea lion
2. a: the pelt of a fur seal b: leather made from the skin of a seal
3: a dark brown
[2]seal vi (1828): to hunt seals [3]seal n [ME seel, fr. OF, fr. L sigillum seal, fr. dim. of signum sign, seal--more at sign] (13c) 1 a: something that confirms, ratifies, or makes secure: guarantee, assurance b (1): a device with a cut or raised emblem, symbol, or word used esp. to certify a signature or authenticate a document (2): a medallion or ring face bearing such a device incised so that it can be impressed on wax or moist clay; also: a piece of wax or a wafer bearing such an impression c: an impression, device, or mark given the effect of a common-law seal by statute law or by American local custom recognized by judicial decision d: a usu. ornamental adhesive stamp that may be used to close a letter or package; esp: one given in a fund-raising campaign
2. a: something that secures (as a wax seal on a document) b: a closure that must be broken to be opened and that thus reveals tampering c (1): a tight and perfect closure (as against the passage of gas or water) (2): a device to prevent the passage or return of gas or air into a pipe or container
3: a seal that is a symbol or mark of office -- under seal : with an authenticating seal affixed [4]seal vt (14c) 1 a: to confirm or make secure by or as if by a seal b: to solemnize for eternity (as a marriage) by a Mormon rite
2. a: to set or affix an authenticating seal to; also: authenticate, ratify b: to mark with a stamp or seal usu. as an evidence of standard exactness, legal size, weight, or capacity, or merchantable quality 3 a: to fasten with or as if with a seal to prevent tampering b: to close or make secure against access, leakage, or passage by a fastening or coating c: to fix in position or close breaks in with a filling (as of plaster)
4: to determine irrevocably or indisputably "that answer ~ed our fate"