Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TEST'I-MO-NY, n. [L. testimonium.]

1. A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. Such affirmation in judicial proceedings, may be verbal or written, but must be under oath. Testimony differs from evidence; testimony is the declaration of a witness, and evidence is the effect of that declaration on the mind, or the degree of light which it affords.
2. Affirmation; declaration. These doctrines are supported by the uniform testimony of the fathers. The belief of past facts must depend on the evidence of human testimony, or the testimony of historians.
3. Open attestation; profession. Thou for the testimony of truth hast borne / Universal reproach. Milton.
4. Witness; evidence; proof of some fact. Shake off the dust under your feet, for a testimony against them. Mark vi.
5. In Scripture, the two tables of the law. Thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. Exod. xxv.
6. The book of the law. He brought forth the king's son – and gave him the testimony. 2 Kings xi.
7. The Gospel, which testifies of Christ and declares the will of God. 1 Cor. ii. 2 Tim. i.
8. The ark. Exod. xvi.
9. The word of God; the Scriptures. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Ps. xix.
10. The laws or precepts of God. “I love thy testimonies.” “I have kept thy testimonies.” Psalms.
11. That which is equivalent to a declaration; manifestation. Sacrifices were appointed by God for a testimony of his hatred of sin. Clarke.
12. Evidence suggested to the mind; as, the testimony of conscience. 2 Cor. i.
13. Attestation; confirmation.