glossat

Glossat refers to a term or phrase that is not commonly understood within a particular context and is therefore explained separately. This explanation is known as a gloss. Glosses can be found in various forms, such as footnotes, endnotes, or within the main text itself. The purpose of a gloss is to clarify the meaning of a word or concept, making the surrounding text more accessible to a wider audience.

Historically, glosses were handwritten annotations made in the margins of manuscripts. Scribes and scholars would add these explanations to clarify difficult passages, often in a different language or dialect than the original text. These marginalia were crucial for the transmission and understanding of ancient and medieval texts. Over time, this practice evolved into more formalized glossaries and dictionaries.

In modern usage, glossat can also refer to the act of providing such explanations. For example, an author might "gloss" a technical term for the benefit of lay readers. The term "glossat" itself is less common than "glossary" or "explanation," but it carries the same underlying meaning of clarifying the obscure. The effectiveness of a gloss depends on its clarity, conciseness, and accuracy in defining the term or concept it aims to explain.