- document
- mid-15c., "teaching, instruction," from M.Fr. document "lesson, written evidence," from L. documentum "example, proof, lesson," in M.L. "official written instrument," from docere "to show, teach" (see doctor). Meaning "something written that provides proof or evidence" is from 1727; the verb meaning "to support by documentary evidence" is from 1711. Related: Documented; documents.