Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SIG'NI-FY, v.t. [Fr. signifier; L. significo; signum, a sign, and facio, to make.]

1. To make known something, either by signs or words; to express or communicate to another any idea, thought, wish, purpose or command, either by words, by a nod, wink, gesture, signal or other sign. A man signifies his mind by his voice or by written characters; he may signify his mind by a nod or other motion, provided the person to whom he directs it, understands what is intended by it. A general or an admiral signifies his commands by signals to officers at a distance.
2. To mean; to have or contain a certain sense. The word sabbath signifies rest. Less, in composition, as in faithless signifies destitution or want. The prefix re, in recommend, seldom signifies any thing.
3. To import; to weigh; to have consequence; used in particular phrases; as, it signifies much or little; it signifies nothing. What does it signify? What signify the splendors of a court? Confession of sin without reformation of life, can signify nothing in the view of God.
4. To make known; to declare. The government should signify to the Protestants of Ireland, that want of silver is not to be remedied. – Swift.