\Sig`ni*fi*ca"vit\, n. [L., (he) has signified,
perf. ind. of significare to signify.] (Eng. Eccl. Law)
Formerly, a writ issuing out of chancery, upon certificate
given by the ordinary, of a man's standing excommunicate by
the space of forty days, for the laying him up in prison till
he submit himself to the authority of the church. --Crabb.