Originally: an official assay mark on a gold or silver object indicating that it is of a certain standard of purity; a hallmark; (in later use) a…

Of silver: †Having the same degree of purity as the penny. (obsolete) Hence, in later use: Of standard quality. sterling mark, sterling stamp: the…

The official mark or stamp used by statutory Hallmarking Authorities in marking the standard of gold and silver articles assayed by them, without…

Of silver: †Having the same degree of purity as the penny. (obsolete) Hence, in later use: Of standard quality. sterling mark, sterling stamp: the…

= hallmark, n. a. Now rare.

An additional mark put on something which has been marked before, for greater security, etc. the mark of the Goldsmiths' Company (hallmark) upon…