Obs. exc. Hist. [a. OF. contre-seel (1236 in Joinville): cf. COUNTER- 8.]
a. A smaller seal impressed upon the reverse of a main seal, to give additional security or sanction. b. The reverse side or part of a seal.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xxiv. § 176. To stampe his owne Armes both in their great and Counter-Seale.
1677. F. Sandford, Geneal. Hist. Eng., 73. Upon this Counterseal Richard is represented on Horsback.
1864. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., xxiv. § 1 (ed. 3), 398. In taking these impressions, consequently, two dies or matrices … were employed; these were severally called the Seal and Counter-Seal.
