Lewis & Short

† lemma, ătis, n., = λῆμμα, a subject for consideration or explanation, a theme, matter, subject, contents (not ante-Aug.; in Cic. only written as Greek).

  1. I. Lit.: lemma sibi sumpsit, quod ego interdum versibus ludo, Plin. Ep. 4, 27, 3.
  2. II. Transf.
    1. A. The title of an epigram, because it indicates the subject: lemmata si quaeris, cur sint ascripta, docebo: Ut si malueris lemmata sola legas, Mart. 14, 2, 1; Aus. Parent. praef.
    2. B. The epigram itself: si mihi ex hoc ipso lemmate secundus versus occurrerit, Plin. Ep. 4, 27, 3: consumpta est uno si lemmate pagina, transis, Mart. 10, 59, 1.
    3. C. A story, tale: nutricis lemmata, nursery-tales, Aus. Ep. 16, 90.
    4. D. The assumption or lemma of a syllogism: est vitium insidiosum et sub falsa lemmatis specie latens, Gell. 9, 16, 7; v. sumptio.