Cer·tif·i·cate n.
1. A written testimony to the truth of any fact; as, certificate of good behavior.
2. A written declaration legally authenticated.
Trial by certificate, a trial which the testimony of the person certifying is the only proper criterion of the point in dispute; as, when the issue is whether a person was absent in the army, this is tried by the certificate of the proper officer in writing, under his seal.