Signet

One of the king's seals in England, used in sealing his private letters, and all such grants as pass his majesty's hand by bill signed; which seal is always in the custody of the king's secretaries, and there are four clerks of the signet office attending them. In Scotland, the signet is the seal by which the king's letters, and also writs for the purpose of private justice, are authenticated. Hence clerks to the signet, or writers to the signet, in Scotland, are nearly the same as attorneys in England. They were anciently clerks in the office of the secretary of state, by whom writs passing the king's signet were prepared. When, in consequence of the change of the ancient forms of judicial procedure, the signet was applied to writs, summonses, and process in private causes, the new writs, which became requisite, were prepared by the writers to the signet, who have also the privilege of acting as agents or attorneys in causes before the court of session.

Jacob.