OXFORD DICTIONARY
, n.
1 a the Christian scriptures consisting of the Old and New Testaments. b the Jewish scriptures. c (bible) any copy of these (three bibles on the table). d a particular edition of the Bible (New English Bible).
2 colloq. any authoritative book (Wisden is his Bible).
3 the scriptures of any non-Christian religion.
Bible-basher (or -thumper etc.) a person given to Bible-bashing. Bible-bashing (or -thumping etc.) sl. aggressive fundamentalist preaching. Bible belt esp. US the reputedly puritanical area of the southern and central US. Bible oath a solemn oath taken on the Bible.
ME f. OF f. eccl.L biblia f. Gk biblia books (pl. of biblion), orig. dimin. of biblos, bublos papyrus
THESAURUS
Douay Bible, Holy Scripture, Holy Writ, King James Version, Revised Standard Version, Revised Version, Scripture, Septuagint, Testament, Vulgate, canon, canonical writings, sacred writings, scripture, scriptures, the Book, the Good Book, the Scriptures, the Word