Английский Этимологический словарь - seal (1)

- "design stamped on wax," c.1200, from O.Fr. seel, from V.L. *sigellum, from L. sigillum "small picture, engraved figure, seal," dim. of signum "mark, token" (see sign). An earlier borrowing directly from L. is represented by O.E. insigel. The verb "to close up with wax, lead, cement, etc." is 1661, from the notion of wax seals on envelopes. To seal one's fate is from the notion of a seal on an execution warrant.