KJV Dictionary Definition: epistle

epistle

EPIS'TLE, n. epis'l. L. epistola; Gr. to send to; to send.

A writing, directed or sent, communicating intelligence to a distant person; a letter; a letter missive. It is rarely used in familiar conversation or writings, but chiefly in solemn or formal transactions. It is used particularly in speaking of the letters of the Apostles, as the epistles of Paul; and of other letters written by the ancients, as the epistles of Pliny or of Cicero.

epistler

EPIS'TLER, n. A writer of epistles. Little used.

1. Formerly, one who attended the communion table and read the epistles.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

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