Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CER-TIF'I-CATE, n. [Fr. certificat; It. certificato. See Certify.]

1. In a general sense, a written testimony not sworn to; a declaration in writing, signed by the party, and intended to verify a fact.
2. In a more particular sense, the written declaration, under the hand or seal or both, of some public officer, to be used as evidence in a court, or to substantiate a fact. A certificate of this kind may be considered as given under the oath of office.
3. Trial by certificate, is where the evidence of the person certifying is the only proper criterion of the point in dispute; as when the issue is whether a person was absent in the army, this is tried by the certificate of the Mareschall of the army, in writing under his seal. – Blackstone.