- reference (n.)
- 1580s, "act of referring," from refer + -ance. Meaning "direction to a book or passage" is recorded from 1610s. Meaning "testimonial" is from 1895. Reference book dates from 1808. Phrase in reference to is attested from 1590s.
- reference (v.)
- 1837 (implied in referenced), from reference (n.). Related: Referencing.