document Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
written document; papers.
noun anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
noun a written account of ownership or obligation
noun (computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using seven-bit ASCII characters
text file.
verb record in detail
- The parents documented every step of their child's development
verb support or supply with references
- Can you document your claims?

LL. documentum, fr. docere to teach: cf. F. document. See Docile.

That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma. Obs.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time. I. Watts.
An example for instruction or warning. Obs.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others. Sir W. Raleigh.
An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; -- in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic. Paley.

To teach; to school. Obs.
I am finely documented by my own daughter. Dryden.
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.