Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NO'TI-FY, v.t. [Fr. notifier; It. notificare; L. notus, known, and facio, to make.]

1. To make known; to declare; to publish. The laws of God notify to man his will and our duty.
2. To make known by private communication; to give information of. The allied sovereigns have notified the Spanish court of their purpose of maintaining legitimate government.
3. To give notice to; to inform by words or writing, in person or by message, or by any signs which are understood. The constable has notified the citizens to meet at the City Hall. The bell notifies us of the time of meeting. The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives, that he has approved and signed the act. Journals of the Senate. Note. This application of notify has been condemned, but it is in constant good use in the United States, and in perfect accordance with the use of certify.