epistle

noun5

1. •
   (literary, humorous) A letter, especially one which is formal or issued publicly.

   • After that John Frauncis [i.e., Giovanni Francesco Pico della Mirandola], the neuiew of Picꝰ [Picus], had (as it appeareth in the first epistle of Picus to him) begon a chaunge in his liuyng: […] — 1536
2. •
   One of the books of the New Testament which was originally a letter issued by an apostle to an individual or a community.

   • The Evangiles and Acts, teach us vvhat to beleeve, but the Epistles of the Apostles vvhat to do. — 1632
3. •
   (literary, historical) Chiefly with a qualifying word, as in epistle dedicatory: a letter of dedication addressed to a patron or reader published as a preface to a literary work.
4. •
   A literary composition in the form of a letter or series of letters, especially one in verse.

   • [Y]our Grace shal herein perceiue a nevv fashion of discourse, by Epistles; nevv to our language, usual to others: and (as Noueltie is neuer vvithout some plea of vse) more free, more familiar. — 1608
5. •
   An extract from a New Testament epistle or book other than a gospel which is read during a church service, chiefly the Eucharist.

   • EPISTLER, He vvho reads the Epistles in a Cathedral Church, &c. — 1721

verb5

1. •
   (literary, humorous) To write (something) in, or in the form of, a letter.
2. •
   (literary, humorous) To write a letter.
3. •
   (literary, humorous) To communicate with someone through a letter.
4. •
   (rare) To write (something) as an introduction or preface to a literary work; also, to provide (a literary work) with an introduction or preface.
5. •
   (literary, no longer used) To write a letter to (someone).

noun3

1. •
   One of the books of the New Testament which was originally a letter issued by an apostle to an individual or a community.
2. •
   An extract from a New Testament epistle or book other than a gospel which is read during a church service, chiefly the Eucharist.
3. •
   Alternative letter-case form of epistle.