noun
- any specific chapter and verse of the Bible, as used when citing the text.
- full, cited authority, as for any quotation, opinion, action, etc.: Give me chapter and verse for the information you’ve provided so far.
- Informal.
- detailed information.
- a set of regulations or rules.
The means of locating passages in the Bible (see also Bible). Thus Matthew 19:18 means chapter 19, verse 18, of the Book of Matthew.
The precise authority backing up a statement or view; established rules for or detailed information about something. For example, You can’t withdraw a card after you’ve played it; I’ll cite you the rules, chapter and verse. The term alludes to the chapter and verse of a quotation from the Bible, long regarded as an ultimate authority. [Early 1600s]