What is "to bear date"

Date \Date\, n. [F. date, LL. data, fr. L. datus given, p. p. of dare to give; akin to Gr. ?, OSlaw. dati, Skr. d[=a]. Cf. Datum, Dose, Dato, Die.]

1. That addition to a writing, inscription, coin, etc., which specifies the time (as day, month, and year) when the writing or inscription was given, or executed, or made; as, the date of a letter, of a will, of a deed, of a coin. etc.

   And bonds without a date, they say, are void.
   --Dryden.

2. The point of time at which a transaction or event takes place, or is appointed to take place; a given point of time; epoch; as, the date of a battle.

   He at once, Down the long series of eventful time, So fixed the dates of being, so disposed To every living soul of every kind The field of motion, and the hour of rest.
   --Akenside.

3. Assigned end; conclusion. [R.]

   What Time would spare, from Steel receives its date.
   --Pope.

4. Given or assigned length of life; dyration. [Obs.]

   Good luck prolonged hath thy date.
   --Spenser.

   Through his life's whole date.
   --Chapman.

   To bear date, to have the date named on the face of it; -- said of a writing.