postil

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Definitions (8)

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  1. A note or comment on some passage of Scripture, written in the margin of a Bible, and so called because it followed the text; any explanatory remark or comment on the text of the Bible; hence, any marginal note. The said Langton also made postils vpon the whole bible. Foxe, Martyrs, p. 248. This was the main Substance of his Majesty's late Letter; yet there was a Postil added, that, in a case a Rupture happen 'twixt the two Crowns, the Earl should not come instantly and abruptly away. Howell, Letters, I. iii. 12. That which is the main point in their Sermons affecting the comments and postils of Friers and Jesuits, but scorning and slighting the reformed writers. Milton, Apology for Smectymnuus.
  2. A series of comments, specifically on Scripture; a commentary, or written exposition.
  3. A sermon or homily; specifically, a homily following and treating of the liturgical gospel; also, a collection of such homilies. But in the homes the old prayer-books and the old Lutheran postils were still gladly and frequently used. Bibliotheca Sacra, XLV. 136.
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Etymologies (2)

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  1. Also postle, and formerly postill; from Middle English postille, from Old French (and F.) postille = Spanish postila = Provencal Portuguese Italian postilla = Dutch postil = German postille = Swedish postilla = Danish postille, from Middle Latin postilla, a marginal note in a Bible, a gloss in addition, from Latin post illa: post, after; illa, neuter plural of ille, that.
  2. Also postel; from Old French postiller = Spanish postilar = Portuguese postillar = Italian postillare, from Middle Latin postillare, write a postil: see postil, n.
 

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