n. The study or theory of the methodical interpretation of text, especially holy texts.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The art or science of interpretation or exegesis; also, the study of or instruction in the principles of exegesis: as, a professor of hermeneutics.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the branch of theology that deals with principles of exegesis
Word Usage
"The term hermeneutics, a Latinized version of the Greek hermeneutice, has been part of common language from the beginning of the 17th century."