Word Study
imprimatur
CIDE DICTIONARY
imprimatur, n. [L., let it be printed.].
- A license to print or publish a book, paper, etc.; also, in countries subjected to the censorship of the press, approval of that which is published. [1913 Webster]
- Permission granted from a designated eccliastical authority to publish a book or other document; -- required by church law for Catholics, especially ecclesiastics, who wish to publish. [PJC]
- Official approval for some proposed activity; as, a contract this large needs the imprimatur of the legal department. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
imprimatur, n.
1 RC Ch. an official licence to print (an ecclesiastical or religious book etc.).
2 official approval.
1 RC Ch. an official licence to print (an ecclesiastical or religious book etc.).
2 official approval.
Etymology
L, = let it be printed
THESAURUS
imprimatur
John Hancock, OK, acceptance, affirmance, affirmation, approbation, approval, authentication, authorization, building permit, certification, confirmation, countersignature, endorsement, fishing license, go-ahead, green light, hunting license, license, nihil obstat, nod, notarization, okay, permission, permit, ratification, rubber stamp, sanction, seal, sigil, signature, signet, stamp, stamp of approval, subscription, the nod, validation, visa, vise, warrantFor further exploring for "imprimatur" in Webster Dictionary Online