The spelling of the word "signs seal" may seem confusing to some due to the placement of the "s" at the end of "signs" and the beginning of "seal". However, this can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In IPA, "signs" is pronounced as /saɪnz/ with a voiced "z" sound at the end, while "seal" is pronounced as /sil/ with an unvoiced "s" sound at the beginning. Therefore, the spelling reflects the pronunciation of each individual word.
Signs and seals refer to the actions and processes involved in the authentication and certification of a document or legal instrument. The term can be used in a literal or figurative sense. In the literal sense, signs and seals are physical imprints that serve as evidence of the authority, authenticity, and approval of a document.
A sign is typically a visible representation, such as a signature, that indicates the acceptance or endorsement of a document. It signifies the individual's consent, agreement, or attestation to the contents of the document, as well as their willingness to be bound by the terms and conditions outlined within it.
A seal, on the other hand, is an impression made by a stamp or embossed device that imbues the document with an official character. Seals were historically used to authenticate important documents, such as royal decrees or official contracts. Today, seals are commonly replaced with official stamps or other certification marks that fulfill the same purpose.
Together, signs and seals function as legal safeguards, ensuring the integrity, validity, and enforceability of a document. They signify that the content has been reviewed and approved by the relevant parties who possess the authority to do so. Signature lines and seals often accompany official documents, such as contracts, deeds, or agreements, and are recognized as binding evidence of the parties' intentions and commitments.
The phrase you provided, "signs seal", does not have a specific etymology as it appears to be a combination of two different words with their own origins.
"Signs" can be traced back to Middle English and Old French. The word derives from the Latin "signum" meaning "mark" or "token". It has roots in various Indo-European languages.
"Seal" also has a separate etymology. It comes from Old English "seol", which is related to the Old High German "sigil" and the Latin "sigillum", both meaning "seal" or "sign". These words ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sekw-", meaning "to mark" or "to cut".