What dose published date mean ?

..hayhaygrace09..

Within the above 'linked related' article; that uses similar wording to describe

a "Date of Publication" ~ When the Article was Last Revised. (And/or remade.)

Since that notice appears after or end of article, likely implies there may have

been an older version; this would supersede earlier content. In edits, or more.

Not taken from another source; & unabridged dictionaries cite their resources.

That said, been years since I read encyclopaedia or dictionary cover-to-cover.

Here is one search result

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/publication-date

In what context?