Late Middle English; earliest use found in Reginald Pecock (c1392–?1459), bishop of Chichester and religious author. From post-classical Latin significatum indication, thing signified, meaning (frequently from 1109 in British sources), use as noun of classical Latin significātum, neuter of past participle of significāre.

Late 15th century (in an earlier sense). In sense 1 from classical Latin significātus, past participle of significāre signify.