Statistics \Sta*tis"tics\, n. [Cf. F. statistique, G. statistik. See State, n.]

1. The science which has to do with the collection and classification of certain facts respecting the condition of the people in a state.

Note: [In this sense gramatically singular.]

2. pl. Classified facts respecting the condition of the people in a state, their health, their longevity, domestic economy, arts, property, and political strength, their resources, the state of the country, etc., or respecting any particular class or interest; especially, those facts which can be stated in numbers, or in tables of numbers, or in any tabular and classified arrangement.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)