PRIVY-SIGNET, n. In England, the seal which the king uses previously in grants, etc. which are to pass the great seal, or which he uses in matters of subordinate consequence, which do not require the great seal.

1. Privy-seal, is used elliptically for the principal secretary of state, or person entrusted with the privy-seal.

The king's sign manual is the warrant to the privy-seal, who makes out a writ or warrant thereon to the chancery. The sign manual is the warrant to the privy-seal, and the privy-seal is the warrant to the great seal.