epistle

noun epistles · Epistle

1. A literary composition in the form of a letter or series of letters, especially one in verse. [Y]our Grace ſhal herein perceiue a nevv faſhion of diſcourſe, by Epistles; nevv to our language, uſual to others: and (as Noueltie is neuer vvithout ſome plea of vſe) more free, more familiar.
2. humorous, literary A letter, especially one which is formal or issued publicly. After that John Frauncis [i.e., Giovanni Francesco Pico della Mirandola], the neuiew of Picꝰ [Picus], had (as it appeareth in the firſt epiſtle of Picus to him) begon a chaunge in his liuyng: […]
3. historical, humorous, literary, specifically Chiefly with a qualifying word, as in epistle dedicatory: a letter of dedication addressed to a patron or reader published as a preface to a literary work. [I]n the Epiſtle Dedicatorie thereof to a great man of this land, whom he calls his verie right honourable good Lord, he recounteth his large bounties beſtowed upon him, and talkes of the ſecret favours which hee did him in his ſtudie or cloſet at court.
4. One of the books of the New Testament which was originally a letter issued by an apostle to an individual or a community. The Evangiles and Acts, teach us vvhat to beleeve, but the Epiſtles of the Apoſtles vvhat to do.
5. An extract from a New Testament epistle (noun sense 3.1) or book other than a gospel which is read during a church service, chiefly the Eucharist. The Collectes ended, the prieſt, or he that is appointed, ſhall reade the Epiſtle, in a place aſſigned for the purpoſe, ſaying. The Epiſtle of ſainct Paule written in the [blank] Chapiter of [blank] to the.

Similar: pistle

verb epistles · epistling · epistled

1. humorous, literary, transitive To write (something) in, or in the form of, a letter. His braynes, his time, all hys maintenance and exhibition upon it he hath conſumed, and never intermitted, till ſuch time as he beganne to epiſtle it againſt mee, ſince which I have kept him a work indifferently.
2. archaic, humorous, literary, transitive To write a letter to (someone).
3. rare, transitive To write (something) as an introduction or preface to a literary work; also, to provide (a literary work) with an introduction or preface. And though antient Tragedy uſe no Prologue, yet uſing ſometimes, in caſe of ſelf defence, or explanation, that vvhich Martial calls an Epiſtle; in behalf of this Tragedy coming forth after the antient manner, much different from vvhat among us paſſes for beſt, thus much before-hand may be Epiſtl'd;
4. humorous, intransitive, literary To write a letter. Devinitie (the heaven of all artes) for a while drew his thoughts unto it; but ſhortly after the world, the fleſh, and the divell with-drewe him from that, and needes he would be of a more gentleman-like luſtie cut: whereupon hee fell to morrall epiſtling and poetrie.
5. humorous, intransitive, literary To communicate with someone through a letter.

noun Epistles

1. One of the books of the New Testament which was originally a letter issued by an apostle to an individual or a community.
2. An extract from a New Testament epistle (sense 1.1) or book other than a gospel which is read during a church service, chiefly the Eucharist.