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.

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]