Doc″u‐ment (–ū̍‐ment), n. [LL. documentum, fr. docere to teach: cf. F. document. See Docile.] 1. That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time. I. Watts.
2. An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others. Sir W. Raleigh.
3. 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.