Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Diploma

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

DIPLO'MA (δίπλωμα). A sort of passport, consisting of two leaves (whence the name originated), which was given to a messenger or other person travelling upon public business, in order that he might readily obtain every thing necessary on his journey, without delay or hindrance. Cic. Fam. vi. 12. Plin. Ep. x. 31. Capitolin. Pertin. 1.

2. A diploma, or document drawn up by a chief magistrate, which conferred some particular privilege upon the person to whom it was given. Suet. Nero, 12.