Lewis Short
dīplōma (noun N) : (dat. and
* Abl. plur. regul. diplomatibus, Tac. H. 2, 65; Plin. Ep. 10, 122; Suet. Aug. 50; Murat. Inscr. 885, 4), n., = δίπλωμα, a letter folded double, viz.
* A state letter of recommendation given to persons travelling to the provinces, Cic. Fam. 6, 12, 3; id. Att. 10, 17, 4; id. Pis. 37; Tac. H. 2, 54; Plin. Ep. 10, 14 al.
* In gen., a document drawn up by a magistrate, assuring to the holder some favor or privilege, a diploma, Suet. Aug. 50; id. Calig. 38; Sen. Clem. 1, 10 fin.; Dig. 48, 10, 27 al.
Charlton T. Lewis, Charles Short, A Latin Dictionary