postil

1 of 2

noun

pos·​til
ˈpästə̇l
plural -s
1
a
: a marginal note : comment
specifically : an explanatory marginal note in the Bible
b
postils plural, obsolete : commentary
2
a
obsolete : a short homily on a Scriptural passage
especially : one on the Gospel or Epistle for the day
b
: a collection of such homilies

postil

2 of 2

transitive verb

"
postiled or postilled; postiled or postilled; postiling or postilling; postils
archaic
: to write marginal comments in (a text) : annotate, gloss

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English postille, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin postilla, probably from post illa (verba textus) after those words of the text, from Latin post after + illa, neuter accusative plural of ille that

Transitive verb

Middle English postilen, from Middle French postiller, from Medieval Latin postillare, from postilla

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near postil

Cite this Entry

“Postil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postil. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!