In 5–6 -texte. [ad. L. contextus (u-stem) connection, f. ppl. stem of contexĕre to weave together, connect (see above). Cf. mod.F. contexte (in Cotgr.).]
† 1. The weaving together of words and sentences; construction of speech, literary composition. Obs.
1432–50. trans. Higden (Rolls), I. 5. In the contexte historicalle [contextu historico] the rewle off lyvenge and forme of vertues moralle … ȝiffe grete resplendence thro the diligence of croniclers.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett. (1650), I. 459. Since these kings there is little difference in the context of [the French] speech, but only in the choice of words, and softness of pronounciation.
† 2. concr. The connected structure of a writing or composition; a continuous text or composition with parts duly connected. Obs.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 181. Though the aungell in the contexte of his salutacyon, expressed not this name Maria.
1531. Elyot, Gov., III. xxv. The bokes of the Euangelistes, vulgarely called the gospelles, which be one contexte of an historie.
1633. H. Garthwaite (title), The Evangelical Harmonie, reducing the Four Evangelists into one Continued Context.
1641. Milton, Ch. Govt., Pref. (1851), 95. That book within whose sacred context all wisdome is infolded.
fig. 1635. Quarles, Embl., II. vi. The skillful gloss of her reflection But paints the context of thy coarse complexion.
† 3. The connection or coherence between the parts of a discourse. Obs.
1613. R. C., Table Alph. (ed. 3), Context, the agreeing of the matter going before, with that which followeth.
1622. Fotherby, Atheom., Pref. 20. I haue … hindered not the context, and roundnesse of the speech.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., II. 141. The context, or alliance that the text hath with the protext, or verse immediately foregoing.
4. concr. The whole structure of a connected passage regarded in its bearing upon any of the parts which constitute it; the parts which immediately precede or follow any particular passage or ‘text’ and determine its meaning. (Formerly circumstance q.v. 1 c, quots. 1549, 1579.)
c. 1568. Fulke, Answ. Chr. Protestant (1577), 84. When the articles following are spoken in one context and phrase. Ibid. (1583), Defence (Parker Soc.), 561. The whole context is this: ‘Let no man say,’ etc.
1631. R. Byfield, Doctr. Sabb., 24. If it bee meant of … thou, that were absonant from the … context.
c. 1680. Beveridge, Serm. (1729), II. 1. That we may understand these words aright, it will be necessary to take a short view of the context.
1709. Berkeley, Th. Vision, § 73. A word pronounced with certain circumstances, or in a certain context with other words.
a. 1714. Sharp, Wks., VII. xv. (R.). To this I answer plainly according to all the light that the contexts afford in this matter.
1849. Cobden, Speeches, 46. I wish honourable gentlemen would have the fairness to give the entire context of what I did say, and not pick out detached words.
1883. Froude, Short Stud., IV. III. 294. A paragraph … unintelligible from want of context.
b. transf. and fig.
1842. H. E. Manning, Serm. (1848), I. i. 9. We carry on with us from day to day the whole moral context of the day gone by.
1853. Ruskin, Stones Ven., II. vi. It is literally impossible, without consulting the context of the building, to say whether the cusps have been added for the sake of beauty or of strength.
1877. E. Caird, Philos. Kant, II. v. 28. The position of facts in the context of experience.
c. In this context: in this connection.
1873. R. Congreve, Ess., etc. (1874), 480. I should avail myself of the words of one of our number—not used in this context, but suiting my present purpose.
† 5. = CONTEXTURE. Obs.
1707. E. Ward, Hud. Rediv. (1715), I. XVII. Sooner penetrate a Board, Than by a Cut or Thrust divide The Context of the stubborn Hide.
1766. R. Griffith, Lett. Henry & Frances, III. 274. The Union of Soul and Body … that mistic Context.
