Gloss

A gloss refers to an explanatory note that clarifies the meaning of a word, phrase, or passage within a text. Glosses were often added by readers, teachers, or scribes to explain unfamiliar language, resolve ambiguity, or guide interpretation. They can appear alongside the text, between lines, or later become incorporated into the main body through copying. Glosses are important for understanding how texts were read and taught, and they sometimes preserve early interpretation or linguistic information that would otherwise be lost.