Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SIG-NIF'I-CANCE, or SIG-NIF'I-CAN-CY, n. [from L. significans. See Signify.]

1. Meaning; import; that which is intended to be expressed; as, the significance of a raid, or of a motion of the hand, or of a word or expression. – Stillingfleet.
2. Force; energy; power of impressing the mind; as, a duty enjoined with particular significance. – Atterbury.
3. Importance; moment; weight; consequence. Many a circumstance of less significancy has been construed into an overt act of high treason. Addison.