Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Certify \Cer"ti*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Certified}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Certifying}.] [F. certifier, LL. certificare; L.
   certus certain + facere to make. See {Certain}, and cf.
   {Certificate}, v. t.]
   1. To give cetain information to; to assure; to make certain.

            We certify the king, that . . . thou shalt have no
            portion on this side the river.       --Ezra iv. 16.

   2. To give certain information of; to make certain, as a
      fact; to verify. --Hammond.

            The industry of science at once certifies and
            greatly extends our knowledge of the vastness of the
            creation.                             --I. Taylor.

   3. To testify to in writing; to make a declaration
      concerning, in writing, under hand, or hand and seal.

            The judges shall certify their opinion to the
            chancellor, and upon such certificate the decree is
            usually founded.                      --Blackstone.

   {Certified check}, A bank check, the validity of which is
      certified by the bank on which it is drawn.

Source : WordNet®

certified check
     n : a check containing certification that the person who issued
         the check has sufficient funds on deposit to cover
         payment [syn: {certified cheque}]