from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Commentary \Com"men*ta*ry\, n.; pl. {Commentaries}. [L.
commentarius, commentarium, note book, commentary: cf. F.
commentaire. See {Comment}, v. i.]
1. A series of comments or annotations; esp., a book of
explanations or expositions on the whole or a part of the
Scriptures or of some other work.
[1913 Webster]
This letter . . . was published by him with a severe
commentary. --Hallam.
[1913 Webster]
2. A brief account of transactions or events written hastily,
as if for a memorandum; -- usually in the plural; as,
Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War.
[1913 Webster]