Gloss, n. [OE. glose, F. glose, L. glossa a difficult word needing explanation, fr. Gr. � tongue, language, word needing explanation. Cf. Gloze, Glossary, Glottis.]
1. A foreign, archaic, technical, or other uncommon word requiring explanation.
2. An interpretation, consisting of one or more words, interlinear or marginal; an explanatory note or comment; a running commentary.
All this, without a gloss or comment,
He would unriddle in a moment. Hudibras.
Explaining the text in short glosses. T. Baker.
3. A false or specious explanation. Dryden.