verb To examine diverse documents and so on, to discover similarities and differences.
The young attorneys were set the task of collating the contract submitted by the other side with the previous copy.
verb To assemble something in a logical sequence.
verb To sort multiple copies of printed documents into sequences of individual page order, one sequence for each copy, especially before binding.
Collating was still necessary because they had to insert foldout sheets and index tabs into the documents.
verb To bestow or confer.
verb To admit a cleric to a benefice; to present and institute in a benefice, when the person presenting is both the patron and the ordinary; followed by to.