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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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