What does "manifesto" mean?

Manifesto: A public declaration, usually of a prince, sovereign, or other person claiming large powers, showing his intentions, or proclaiming his opinions and motives in reference to some act done or contemplated by him; as, a manifesto declaring the purpose of a prince to begin war, and explaining his motives. Bouvier. it was proposed to draw up a manifesto, setting forth the grounds and motives of our taking arms. Addison . Frederick, in a public manifesto, appealed to the Empire against the insolent pretensions of the pope. Milman.