Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Certificate \Cer*tif"i*cate\, n. [F. certificat, fr. LL.
   certificatus made certain, p. p. of certificare. See {tify}.]
   1. A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as,
      certificate of good behavior.

   2. A written declaration legally authenticated.

   {Trial by certificate}, a trial which the testimony of the
      person certifying is the only proper criterion of the
      point in dispute; as, when the issue is whether a person
      was absent in the army, this is tried by the certificate
      of the proper officer in writing, under his seal.
      --Blackstone.

Certificate \Cer*tif"i*cate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Certificated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Certificating}.] [See
   {Certify}.]
   1. To verify or vouch for by certificate.

   2. To furnish with a certificate; as, to certificate the
      captain of a vessel; a certificated teacher.

Source : WordNet®

certificate
     n 1: a document attesting to the truth of certain stated facts
          [syn: {certification}, {credential}, {credentials}]
     2: a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to
        finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive
        interest or dividends; "he held several valuable
        securities" [syn: {security}]

certificate
     v 1: present someone with a certificate
     2: authorize by certificate