Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TEXT, n. [Fr. texte; L. textus, woven; It. testo. See Texture.]

1. A discourse or composition on which a note or commentary is written. Thus we speak of the text or original of the Scripture, in relation to the comments upon it. Infinite pains have been taken to ascertain and establish the genuine original text.
2. A verse or passage of Scripture which a preacher selects as the subject of a discourse. How oft, when Paul has served us with a text, / Has Epictetus, Plato, Tully preach'd. Cowper.
3. Any particular passage of Scripture, used as authority in argument for proof of a doctrine. In modern sermons, texts of Scripture are not as frequently cited as they were formerly.
4. In ancient law authors, the four Gospels, by way of eminence. Cyc.