Defn: According to the principles of interpretation; as, a verse of
Scripture was examined hermeneutically.
HERMENEUTICS
Her`me*neu"tics, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc.
HERMES
Her"mes, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. (Myth.)
Defn: See Mercury.
Note: Hermes Trismegistus Etym: [Gr. 'Ermh^s trisme`gistos, lit., Hermes thrice greatest] was a late name of Hermes, especially as identified with the Egyptian god Thoth. He was the fabled inventor of astrology and alchemy.
2. (Archæology)
Defn: Originally, a boundary stone dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries, and therefore bearing in some cases a head, or head and shoulders, placed upon a quadrangular pillar whose height is that of the body belonging to the head, sometimes having feet or other parts of the body sculptured upon it. These figures, though often representing Hermes, were used for other divinities, and even, in later times, for portraits of human beings. Called also herma. See Terminal statue, under Terminal.
HERMETIC; HERMETICAL
Her*met"ic, Her*met"ic*al, a. Etym: [F. hermétique. See Note under
Hermes, 1.]