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.
Origin of Responsa
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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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