Manifesto \Man`i*fes"to\, n.; pl. Manifestoes. [It. manifesto. See Manifest, n. & a.]

A public declaration, usually of a prince, sovereign, or other person claiming large powers, showing his intentions, or proclaiming his opinions and motives in reference to some act done or contemplated by him; as, a manifesto declaring the purpose of a prince to begin war, and explaining his motives. --Bouvier.

it was proposed to draw up a manifesto, setting forth the grounds and motives of our taking arms. --Addison.

Frederick, in a public manifesto, appealed to the Empire against the insolent pretensions of the pope. --Milman.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)