Legal Definitions - gloss

Definition: A gloss is a note or explanation added to a text to help explain a difficult or obscure word or phrase. It can also refer to a collection of explanations or interpretations.

• This edition of Shakespeare's works includes many glosses on Elizabethan English, which help readers understand the language used in the plays.
• The hornbook had a gloss that provided definitions for many of the difficult words used in the text.
• When interpreting a law, it is important to consider any glosses or pronouncements about its meaning.

These examples illustrate how a gloss can be used to provide additional information or context to a text. In the case of Shakespeare's works, the glosses help readers understand the language used in the plays, which can be difficult to understand for modern audiences. The gloss in the hornbook provides definitions for difficult words, making it easier for readers to understand the text. Finally, the gloss in the interpretation of a law helps to clarify its meaning and ensure that it is applied correctly.