Definition of epistle

< epistemology

epistler >

e·pis·tle    (-psl) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A letter, especially a formal one. See Synonyms at letter.
2. A literary composition in the form of a letter.
3. Epistle Bible
   1. One of the letters included as a book in the New Testament.
   2. An excerpt from one of these letters, read as part of a religious service.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English epistel, from Old French epistle, from Latin epistola, from Greek epistol, from epistellein, to send a message to : epi-, epi- + stellein, to send; see stel- in Indo-European roots