What does "notify" mean?

Notify: To give notice to; to inform by notice; to apprise; as, the constable has notified the citizens to meet at the city hall; the bell notifies us of the time of meeting. The President of the United States has notified the House of Representatives that he has approved and signed the act. Journal of the Senate, U. S. Note: This application of notify has been condemned; but it is in constant good use in the United States, and in perfect accordance with the use of certify.