postil Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pos"til noun

Etymology

F. postille, apostille, LL. postilla, probably from L. post illa (sc. verba) after those (words). Cf. Apostil.

Definitions

1. Originally, an explanatory note in the margin of the Bible, so called because written after the text; hence, a marginal note; a comment.

   Langton also made postils upon the whole Bible. Foxe.

2. (R. C. Ch. & Luth. Ch.) A short homily or commentary on a passage of Scripture; as, the first postils were composed by order of Charlemagne.

Pos"til transitive verb

Etymology

Cf. LL. postillare.

Definitions

1. To write marginal or explanatory notes on; to gloss. Bacon.

Pos"til intransitive verb

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Postiled () or Postilled; present participle & verbal noun Postiling or Postilling

Definitions

1. To write postils, or marginal notes; to comment; to postillate.

   Postiling and allegorizing on Scripture. J. H. Newman.