Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BULL'E-TIN, n. [Fr. bulletin, a ballot, a packet, a certificate; Sp. boletin, a ticket or warrant; boleta, a ticket, a billet; Port. boleta; It. bulletta, bullettino; properly, a roll. A French word denoting:]

1. An official report from an officer to his commander or superior.
2. An official report of a physician respecting the king's health.
3. A little note given by a banking company.
4. It is sometimes used for a notice, or public announcement; as, a bibliographical bulletin.