Responsa

American  

[ri-spon-suh] / rɪˈspɒn sə /

noun

1. 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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responsa British  

/ rɪˈspɒnsə /

noun

1. the plural of responsum

2. that part of rabbinic literature concerned with written rulings in answer to questions

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Etymology

Origin of Responsa

1895–1900; < New Latin; plural of responsum

Example Sentences

Responsa Juris consultorum de origine gente et nomine Pauli Scaligeri, Colon.

From Notes and Queries, Number 69, February 22, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

He wrote Responsa in association with his master and father-in-law.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

There is little to say concerning the style of Rashi's Responsa.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

The case to which I refer may be found in the Responsa Zebi Hirsch.

From The Book of Delight and Other Papers by Abrahams, Israel

He also collected and edited Rashi's Decisions and Responsa, serving, as it were, as Rashi's literary executor.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele