noun
- Plural of glossa; explanatory notes or comments inserted between the lines or in the margins of a text, especially in medieval manuscripts.
Usage: archaic; scholarly; historical
Examples
- Medieval scholars added glossae to clarify difficult passages in Latin texts.
- The manuscript contained numerous glossae written in a smaller hand than the main text.
- Glossae were essential tools for understanding complex theological works in the Middle Ages.
- The glossae in this edition help modern readers interpret the original author's intent.
- Scribes carefully preserved the glossae alongside the primary text.