green wax

noun

1

: a seal of green wax attesting a document formerly issued from the exchequer to a sheriff

2

a

: a document attested by green wax

b

: the fines or amercements collected by virtue of such a document

Word History

Etymology

Middle English grenewax; translation of Medieval Latin viridis cera

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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