The main body of matter in a manuscript, book, or the like, as distinguished from notes, appendixes, illustrations, and other supplemental matter; derived from "woven pattern" (textus), to weave a pattern with words. Also, the wording adopted as authentic or authoritative, or any of the various forms in which a writing exists, such as paraphrase, translation, transcription. Also, a unit of connected speech or writing that forms a cohesive whole, especially a passage selected for study. Also, type (qv), especially black letter (qv), as distinguished from margins and illustrations; see gray space.