1. the first of the two main divisions of the Christian Bible, comprising the Law, the Prophets, and the Hagiographa. In the Vulgate translation all but two books of the Apocrypha are included in the Old Testament. See table under Bible .
2. this testament considered as the complete Bible of the Jews.
3. the covenant between God and Israel on Mount Sinai, constituting the basis of the Hebrew religion. Ex. 19-24; Jer. 31:31-34; II Cor. 3:6, 14.
[ 1300-50; ME; trans. of LL Vetus Testamentum, trans. of Gk Palaià Diathéke ]