In common law, an impression in wax, wafer, or other substance put on a document and attesting to its authenticity; a similar impression placed over the edge of an envelope, its unbroken condition indicating that the envelope is unopened, hence its contents are untampered with. A corporation’s seal is at times called a common seal.
The act of placing an impression upon an envelope or document to designate that it is undisturbed, the act of closing.