SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

green wax

noun
Save Word

Definition of green wax

1 : a seal of green wax attesting a document formerly issued from the exchequer to a sheriff
2a : a document attested by green wax
b : the fines or amercements collected by virtue of such a document

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of green wax

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for green wax

Middle English grenewax; translation of Medieval Latin viridis cera

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About green wax

Time Traveler for green wax

Time Traveler

The first known use of green wax was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Statistics for green wax

Cite this Entry

“Green wax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20wax. Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

urbane

Listen to the pronunciation of urbane

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Dog Words Quiz

  • shiba puppy more or less demanding cuddles
  • Which of the following animals has a dog in its etymology?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games