Ar"ti*cle (&?;), n. [F., fr. L. articulus, dim. of artus joint, akin to Gr. &?;, fr. a root ar to join, fit. See Art, n.] 1. A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement.
2. A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.