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epistolary, a.|ɪˈpɪstələrɪ|
[ad. F. épistolaire, ad. L. epistolāris, f. epistola epistle.]
1. Of or pertaining to letters or letter-writing.
1656Blount Glossogr. 1682Dryden Relig. Laici Pref., The style of them [the verses] is, what it ought to be, epistolary. 1709Steele Tatler No. 87 ⁋2 The Rules of Epistolary Writing. 1730Swift's Corr. Wks. 1841 II. 636, I seek no epistolary fame. 1780Cowper Lett. 16 Mar., I saw the reason of your epistolary brevity. 1852Miss Mitford in L'Estrange Life III. xiii. 231 My excellent little maid..has every talent except the talent epistolary.
b. absol.
1812Examiner 30 Nov. 753/1 Your Royal Highness stands upon record for your love of the epistolary.
2. Contained in letters; of the nature of letters; carried on by letters.
1706H. Dodwell (title), An Epistolary Discourse, proving from the Scriptures..that the Soul is a Principle naturally Mortal. 1712Addison Spect. No. 511 ⁋1, I do intend to continue my epistolary correspondence with thee. a1826T. Jefferson in Sir J. Sinclair's Corr. (1831) II. 48, I recall..the days of our former intercourse, personal and epistolary. 1880E. White Cert. Relig. 52 In the epistolary portions of the New Testament, written by the Apostles.
3. Of or pertaining to an ‘epistle dedicatory’.
1681T. Manningham Disc. 63 (T.) Scarce allowing the author one epistolary compliment. a1764Lloyd Poems, On Rhyme, Or with epistolary bow, Have prefac'd, as I scarce know how.
4. Pertaining to ‘the epistle’ read in the Communion Service.
1722Enq. Complutens. Ed. New Test. in Somers Tracts II. 490 The Church of England has..prescrib'd the publick Reading of it in one of her Epistolary Sections. |