lemma, ătis, n., = λῆμμα, a subject for consideration or explanation, a theme, matter, subject, contents (not ante-Aug.; in Cic. only written as Greek).
I Lit.: lemma sibi sumpsit, quod ego interdum versibus ludo, Plin. Ep. 4, 27, 3.—
II Transf.
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.—
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.—
C A story, tale : nutricis lemmata, nursery-tales , Aus. Ep. 16, 90.—
D The assumption or lemma of a syllogism: est vitium insidiosum et sub falsa lemmatis specie latens, Gell. 9, 16, 7; v. sumptio.