Signatum

Signatum is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in historical and religious contexts. In ancient Rome, signatum was the past participle of the verb signare, meaning "to sign" or "to mark." It was used to denote something that had been sealed or marked, often with a seal or a brand. This could apply to documents, goods, or even people.

In Christian tradition, signatum can refer to the act of being marked with the sign of the cross, a gesture of blessing and devotion. It is also used in theological discussions to describe the spiritual marking or sealing of believers, particularly in relation to baptism or confirmation, signifying their belonging to God. The concept of being "signed" by the Holy Spirit is found in some interpretations of scripture.

More broadly, signatum can be understood as a general term for anything that bears a distinctive mark or sign, serving as an identifier or a symbol. This could range from a personal sigil to a specific symbol associated with a group or belief system. The precise meaning of signatum is therefore dependent on the context in which it is used, highlighting its versatile linguistic roots.