\Pub`li*ca"tion\, n. [L. publicatio confiscation:
cf. F. publication. See {Publish}.]
1. The act of publishing or making known; notification to the
   people at large, either by words, writing, or printing;
   proclamation; divulgation; promulgation; as, the
   publication of the law at Mount Sinai; the publication of
   the gospel; the publication of statutes or edicts.
2. The act of offering a book, pamphlet, engraving, etc., to
   the public by sale or by gratuitous distribution.
         The publication of these papers was not owing to our
         folly, but that of others.            --Swift.
3. That which is published or made known; especially, any
   book, pamphlet, etc., offered for sale or to public
   notice; as, a daily or monthly publication.
4. An act done in public. [R. & Obs.]
         His jealousy . . . attends the business, the
         recreations, the publications, and retirements of
         every man.                            --Jer. Taylor.
{Publication of a libel} (Law), such an exhibition of a libel
   as brings it to the notice of at least one person other
   than the person libeled.
{Publication of a will} (Law), the delivery of a will, as his
   own, by a testator to witnesses who attest it.