# for test (1) : the original words and form of a written or printed work (2) : an edited or emended copy of an original work b : a work containing such text 2 a : the main body of printed or written matter on a page b : the principal part of a book exclusive of front and back matter c : the printed score of a musical composition 3 a (1) : a verse or passage of Scripture chosen especially for the subject of a sermon or for authoritative support (as for a doctrine) (2) : a passage from an authoritative source providing an introduction or basis (as for a speech) b : a source of information or authority 4 : THEME, TOPIC