epistle

[ ih-pis-uhl ]

noun

1. a letter, especially a formal or didactic one; written communication.
2. (usually initial capital letter) one of the apostolic letters in the New Testament.
3. (often initial capital letter) an extract, usually from one of the Epistles of the New Testament, forming part of the Eucharistic service in certain churches.

Epistle

¹

/ ɪˈpɪsəl /

noun

1. New Testament any of the apostolic letters of Saints Paul, Peter, James, Jude, or John
2. a reading from one of the Epistles, forming part of the Eucharistic service in many Christian Churches

epistle

²

/ ɪˈpɪsəl /

noun

1. a letter, esp one that is long, formal, or didactic
2. a literary work in letter form, esp a dedicatory verse letter of a type originated by Horace

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistle¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English epistol < Latin epistula, epistola < Greek epistolḗ message, letter, equivalent to epi- epi- + stol- (variant stem of stéllein to send) + -ē noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistle¹

Old English epistol, via Latin from Greek epistolē, from epistellein to send to, from stellein to prepare, send

Example Sentences

“There are two visions: One that feels like it’s pulling us down and another one that wants to restore faith in this nation,” he told the crowd after quoting the Epistle to the Galatians.

From New York Times

Mr. Sunak, Britain’s first Hindu prime minister, played his own role by reading the first chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians.

From New York Times

A reading from the Epistle to the Colossians.

From BBC

In “Mass,” he commanded the centerpiece, “Epistle: The Word of the Lord,” turning to address the audience with a pointed finger that punctured the fourth wall: “O you people of power, your hour is now!”

From Washington Post

If you can get your hands on “Fredman’s Epistles and Songs” you will get a look straight into the Swedish soul, if there is such a thing.

From New York Times