Responsa
[ ri-spon-suh ]
/ rɪˈspɒn sə /
noun
the branch of rabbinical literature comprised of authoritative replies in letter form made by noted rabbis or Jewish scholars to questions sent to them concerning Jewish law.
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Question 1 of 7
transliterate
Origin of Responsa
1895–1900; < New Latin; plural of responsum
Definition for responsa (2 of 2)
responsum
[ ri-spon-suh m ]
/ rɪˈspɒn səm /
noun, plural re·spon·sa [ri-spon-suh] /rɪˈspɒn sə/.
the reply of a noted rabbi or Jewish scholar as rendered in the Responsa.
Origin of responsum
1895–1900; < New Latin, Latin respōnsum a reply; see response
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for responsa
Second, brief compilations of precepts, like the works of Hefez ben Yazliah and the responsa of some geonim.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac HusikThe responsa prudentum, the opinions of learned men, published as such, did undoubtedly originate an immense portion of Roman law.
Their replies to these inquiries, or "Responsa" (Shaaloth u-Teshuboth), have been gathered in special collections.
British Dictionary definitions for responsa (1 of 2)
responsa
/ (rɪˈspɒnsə) /
noun Judaism
the plural of responsum
that part of rabbinic literature concerned with written rulings in answer to questions
British Dictionary definitions for responsa (2 of 2)
responsum
/ (rɪˈspɒnsəm) /
noun plural -sa (-sə)
Judaism a written answer from a rabbinic authority to a question submitted
Word Origin for responsum
Latin, literally: reply, response
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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