tome Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tome noun

Etymology

F. tome (cf. It., Sp., & Pg. tomo), L. tomus, fr. Gr. a piece cut off, a part of a book, a volume, akin to to cup, and perhaps to L. tondere to shear, E. tonsure. Cf. Anatomy, Atom, Entomology, Epitome.

Definitions

1. As many writings as are bound in a volume, forming part of a larger work; a book; -- usually applied to a ponderous volume.

   Tomes of fable and of dream. Cowper.

   A more childish expedient than that to which he now resorted is not to be found in all the tomes of the casuists. Macaulay.