Item, n.
Etymology: [From Item, adv.]
1. An article; a separate particular in an account; as, the items in a bill.
2. A hint; an innuendo. [Obs.] A secret item was given to some of the bishops . . . to absent themselves. Fuller.
3. A short article in a newspaper; a paragraph; as, an item concerning the weather.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Item, adv.
Also; as an additional article.
Item, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Itemed; p. pr. & vb. n. Iteming.]
To make a note or memorandum of. I have itemed it in my memory. Addison.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for item; he lists it under circumstance.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.