chapter and verse

noun

1. any specific chapter and verse of the Bible, as used when citing the text.
2. full, cited authority, as for any quotation, opinion, action, etc.:

   Give me chapter and verse for the information you've provided so far.

3. Informal.
   1. detailed information.
   2. a set of regulations or rules.

chapter and verse

1. The means of locating passages in the Bible (see also Bible ). Thus Matthew 19:18 means chapter 19, verse 18, of the Book of Matthew .

Notes

In general use, giving “chapter and verse” means giving precise evidence for a proposition.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapter and verse¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Idioms and Phrases

The precise authority backing up a statement or view; established rules for or detailed information about something. For example, You can't withdraw a card after you've played it; I'll cite you the rules, chapter and verse . The term alludes to the chapter and verse of a quotation from the Bible, long regarded as an ultimate authority. [Early 1600s]