[doc.u.ment] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. LL & L; LL documentum official paper, fr. L, lesson, proof, fr. docere to teach--more at docile] (15c) 1 a archaic: proof, evidence b: an original or official paper relied on as the basis, proof, or support of something c: something (as a photograph or a recording) that serves as evidence or proof
2. a: a writing conveying information b: a material substance (as a coin or stone) having on it a representation of thoughts by means of some conventional mark or symbol c: documentary -- doc.u.men.tal adj
[2]doc.u.ment vt (1711) 1: to furnish documentary evidence of
2: to furnish with documents 3 a: to provide with factual or substantial support for statements made or a hypothesis proposed; esp: to equip with exact references to authoritative supporting information b (1): to construct or produce (as a movie or novel) with authentic situations or events (2): to portray realistically
4: to furnish (a ship) with ship's papers -- doc.u.ment.able adj -- doc.u.ment.er n