Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

File \File\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Filed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Filing}.]
   1. To set in order; to arrange, or lay away, esp. as papers
      in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to
      place on file; to insert in its proper place in an
      arranged body of papers.

            I would have my several courses and my dishes well
            filed.                                --Beau. & Fl.

   2. To bring before a court or legislative body by presenting
      proper papers in a regular way; as, to file a petition or
      bill. --Burrill.

   3. (Law) To put upon the files or among the records of a
      court; to note on (a paper) the fact date of its reception
      in court.

            To file a paper, on the part of a party, is to place
            it in the official custody of the clerk. To file, on
            the part of the clerk, is to indorse upon the paper
            the date of its reception, and retain it in his
            office, subject to inspection by whomsoever it may
            concern.                              --Burrill.