a definition unless it declares a function without specifying the function's body ( dcl

a group of (possibly) mutually recursive definitions

The SGML declaration defines which characters are used in a document instance, which syntax the DTD is written in, which SGML features are used, and so on. It is supposed to accompany each SGML document, although default to the one described in the standard may be assumed.

A specification of a programmatic entity, for reference by other parts of a program. See also Definition. The declaration of a method specifies its signature but not its body.

The definition of a name and its meaning.

Generically, the definition of an SGML object such as an element or entity. See also SGML declaration and SYSTEM declaration.