chapter and verse

noun

1
: the exact reference or source of information or justification for an assertion
clinched their arguments by citing chapter and verseJ. M. Burns
2
: full precise information or detail
can give chapter and verse on the effects of diverting defense spendingHorace Sutton
chapter and verse adverb

Examples of chapter and verse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anyway, by late 1974, when the Woodward–Bernstein book was published, everyone knew the Watergate story chapter and verse, and Nixon had been safely packed away down the memory hole. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 That’s chapter and verse in many, many, of his films, most recently in Pain and Glory. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 The chapter and verse of his record is not sympathetic reading, though his mother, 67, tries to understand. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 To get chapter and verse, go here, for example. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Mar. 2023 All Italians know the scene chapter and verse. Sam Sacks, WSJ, 23 Sep. 2022 Or chapter and verse in a holy book. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 22 Sep. 2022 When the legacy media wanted to bury the Hunter Biden laptop story and (this still holds true) discount the evidence of Biden-family corruption, Andy McCarthy would have none of it and, as usual, knew the case chapter and verse. Rich Lowry, National Review, 27 Feb. 2023 Conservatives on campus can give you chapter and verse. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 11 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chapter and verse was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near chapter and verse

Cite this Entry

“Chapter and verse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chapter%20and%20verse. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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