What is "reading of a bill"

Reading \Read"ing\ (r[=e]d"[i^]ng), n.

1. The act of one who reads; perusal; also, printed or written matter to be read.

2. Study of books; literary scholarship; as, a man of extensive reading.

3. A lecture or prelection; public recital.

   The Jews had their weekly readings of the law.
   --Hooker.

4. The way in which anything reads; force of a word or passage presented by a documentary authority; lection; version.

5. Manner of reciting, or acting a part, on the stage; way of rendering. [Cant]

6. An observation read from the scale of a graduated instrument; as, the reading of a barometer.

   Reading of a bill (Legislation), its formal recital, by the proper officer, before the House which is to consider it.