Extract from a book

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context rhetoric English) A section of text forming a coherent thought, suitable for use in a speech. 2 A passage of Scripture to be read in public worship or a book containing such passages.

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
A pericope (; Greek , "a cutting-out") in rhetoric is a set of verses that forms one coherent unit or thought, suitable for public reading from a text, now usually of sacred scripture . Manuscripts —often illuminated —called pericopes, are normally evangeliaries ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1650s, from Late Latin pericope "section of a book," from Greek perikope "a section" of a book, literally "a cutting all round," from peri- "around" (see peri- ) + kope "a cutting" (see hatchet ).

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pericope \Pe*ric"o*pe\, n. [L., section of a book, Gr. ?; ? around + ? to cut.] A selection or extract from a book; especially (Theol.), a selection from the Bible, appointed to be read in the churches or used as a text for a sermon.