A Privy Seal is an official seal used to authenticate documents, particularly in a governmental context. It is often associated with the monarch or head of state and serves as a mark of approval for important legal documents, such as treaties or royal decrees. The Privy Seal signifies that the document has been reviewed and sanctioned by the appropriate authority. Historically, the Privy Seal has been used in various countries, including England and France. In England, it is distinct from the Great Seal, which is used for more formal state documents. The Privy Seal is typically smaller and is used for less formal matters, reflecting its role in the administrative processes of governance.