Diploma

a Greek word meaning two-fold. A diploma was originally a writing on two tablets of wax, fastened face to face, and later on a sheet of parchment or paper, folded double. The Roman courier was given a diploma conferring authority to use the public horses and employes to hasten his journey. In later times, a diploma was conferred by an institute of learning on a physician or lawyer, authorizing him to practice his profession. The college diploma is more in the nature of a certificate that the bearer has completed a course of study. Of late, perhaps unfortunately, the term has been applied to certificates of graduation issued by high schools, academic schools, business colleges, and the like. The United States is the greatest diploma-granting country in the world. There is seemingly no restriction or sense of propriety in the use of the term.