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.
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   2. Study of books; literary scholarship; as, a man of
      extensive reading.
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   3. A lecture or prelection; public recital.
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            The Jews had their weekly readings of the law.
                                                  --Hooker.
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   4. The way in which anything reads; force of a word or
      passage presented by a documentary authority; lection;
      version.
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   5. Manner of reciting, or acting a part, on the stage; way of
      rendering. [Cant]
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   6. An observation read from the scale of a graduated
      instrument; as, the reading of a barometer.
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   {Reading of a bill} (Legislation), its formal recital, by the
      proper officer, before the House which is to consider it.
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