[L. vīdimus ‘we have seen,’ 1st pers. pl. perf. of vidēre to see. So F. vidimus (from 14th c.).]
1. A copy of a document bearing an attestation that it is authentic or accurate. Also attrib.
1436. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 500/2. Credence shuld be yeven to the copie named Vidimus sealed under the autentyke scales, and approved as to ye Originall.
1502. Arnolde, Chron. (1811), 230. We will the vidimus or copy auctentike take effect and strenght as this present saufconduyt after ten monethis past.
a. 1560. Rolland, Crt. Venus, IV. 310. The prothogoll heirof I wald hair drawin In writ, for cost to be my Vidimus.
1670. Blount, Law Dict., s.v. Innotescimus, An Innotescimus and Vidimus are all one. [Hence in Chambers, Cycl. (1728), s.v.]
1853. F. S. Thomas, Handbk. Publ. Rec., 93. A Vidimus is similar to a Notarial Certificate, in which the tenor of Royal charters … and other writings is copied and attested. Ibid. Each of these persons was supplied with a vidimus copy of such letters, properly sealed and authenticated.
1899. J. H. Round, Cal. Doc. France, I. p. xxviii. He claims that the transcripts are most carefully made from charters, cartularies, ‘vidimus,’ or other authentic sources.
† b. Without article: Confirmation of authenticity or correctness. Obs.–1
1513. in Trans. Roy. Hist. Soc., VI. 362. The said Schir William is oblist to gif vidimus tharapone.
c. (See quot. 1850.)
1850. Ogilvie, Vidimus, an examination or inspection; as, a vidimus of accounts or documents.
1880. Black, White Wings, xxi. He told us that the last vidimus of the affairs of the Burgh of Strathgovan was most satisfactory.
† 2. Arch. A design for a painted or stained-glass window. Obs.
1526–7. in H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (1765), I. App. Ddd j. Good and true patrons, otherwyse called a vidimus, for to fourme glasse and make by other four wyndowes of the seid churche.
1762. H. Walpole, Ibid., 108. What a rarity in a collection of drawings would be one of their vidimus’s!
† 3. The fact or reality of something. Obs.–1
1610. B. Rich, Descr. Irel., xvi. 64. The vidimus of the matter is, our Londoners are neither vowed nor sworne to the Pope.
4. (See quot.)
1884. Imp. Dict., Vidimus,… an abstract or syllabus of the contents of a document, book, and the like.
