n. & v.
--n. a formal document attesting a fact, esp. birth, marriage, or death, a medical condition, a level of achievement, a fulfilment of requirements, ownership of shares, etc.
--v.tr. (esp. as certificated adj.) provide with or license or attest by a certificate.
Phrases and idioms:
Certificate of Secondary Education hist.
1. an examination set for secondary-school pupils in England and Wales.
2 the certificate gained by passing it.
Usage:
Replaced in 1988 by the General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Derivatives:
certification n.
Etymology: F certificat or med.L certificatum f. certificare: see CERTIFY