TALMUD
Talmud
(noun) the collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (the Mishna and the Gemara) that constitute the basis of religious authority in Orthodox Judaism
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Proper noun
Talmud (plural Talmuds)
A collection of Jewish writings related to the practical application of Judaic law and tradition (may refer to either the Babylonian Talmud or the shorter Jerusalem Talmud).
Source: Wiktionary
Tal"mud, n. Etym: [Chald. talmud instruction, doctrine, fr. lamad to
learn, limmad to teach.]
Definition: The body of the Jewish civil and canonical law not comprised in
the Pentateuch.
Note: The Talmud consists of two parts, the Mishna, or text, and the
Gemara, or commentary. Sometimes, however, the name Talmud is
restricted, especially by Jewish writers, to the Gemara. There are
two Talmuds, the Palestinian, commonly, but incorrectly, called the
Talmud of Jerusalem, and the Babylonian Talmud. They contain the same
Mishna, but different Gemaras. The Babylonian Talmud is about three
times as large as the other, and is more highly esteemed by the Jews.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition