exegesis
(ɛksɪˈdʒiːsɪs)
[a. Gr. ἐξήγησις, f. ἐξηγέεσθαι to interpret, f. ἐξ- (see ex- prefix2) + ἡγέεσθαι to guide, lead. Cf. F. exégèse.]
1. Explanation, exposition (of a sentence, word, etc.); esp. the interpretation of Scripture or a Scriptural passage.
| 1823 in Crabb Technol. Dict., Exegesis, an explication of words or an elucidation of sentences. a 1848 R. W. Hamilton Rew. & Punishm. Notes (1853) 423 The exegesis of Scripture is conducted by instituting inquiry into what certain parties understood. 1857 Gladstone Glean. VI. xix. 59 That most wretched consummation, which reduces all exegesis to a profane and deluding art. 1876 M. Arnold Lit. & Dogma 161 A very small experience of Jewish exegesis will convince us. |
b. An explanatory note, a gloss.
| 1619 Sacrilege Handl. App. 33 The Septuagint makes the 23. vers. but as an Exegesis of the former verse. a 1638 Mede Chr. Sacrif. v. Wks. ii. (1672) 364 κλάσις τοῦ ἄπτου and προσευχαὶ, Breaking of Bread and Prayers, are to be referred to κοινωνίᾳ Communion, as the Exegesis thereof. 1653 W. Sclater (Jun.) Fun. Serm. (1654) 5 The exegesis and exposition of the former [expression]. 1751 Chambers Cycl. s.v., The second [word] is only an exegesis, or explanation of the first. |
c. An expository discourse.
| 1727–51 in Chambers Cycl. Hence 1832 in Webster; and in some mod. Dicts. |
† 2. Algebra. (See quot.) Obs.
| 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Exegesis Numerosa..the Numeral, or Lineal Solution, or Extraction of Roots, out of Adfected Equations. 1796 Hutton Math. Dict. s.v. |
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Add: Hence exeˈgesist n. = exegete n. 2.
| 1862 Independent (N.Y.) 15 May 6/5 He would rather risk his chance of the New Jerusalem, holding to the girdle of some negro saints..than with the sharpest exegesist and the best creeded theologian in the world. 1959 Encounter Aug. 64/2 Ulysses became an industry for exegesists in the universities. 1984 N.Y. Times 25 Mar. xxii. wc24/3 No well-intentioned and fruitful exegesist of ‘Krazy Kat’ can overcome the fact that reading it is basically a visual and linguistic joy. |