noun
or hag·ga·dah həˈgä]də, -gȯ]
( plural hagga·doth or hagga·dot -]ˌdōt(h), -ōs)
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Hebrew haggādhāh, from higgīdh to tell
1. or ag·ga·da əˈg- : explanatory matter occurring in rabbinical literature, often taking the form of story, anecdote, legend, or parable, and treating such varied subjects as astronomy, astrology, magic, medicine, mysticism
2. : explanatory matter in the Talmud interpreting the Scriptures as distinguished from that regulating religious practice — compare halakah , midrash
• hag·gadic -ˈgadik, -ˈgäd- also hag·gadi·cal -də̇kəl\ adjective , often capitalized