στοιχεῖον, -ου, τό
[in LXX: Wis.7:17 19:18, 4Ma.12:13 * ;]
prop., one of a row (στοῖχος) or series, hence,
__1. the shadow-line of a dial (Aristoph.).
__2. an elementary sound or letter of the alphabet (Anth., Plut., π.).
__3. the elements or rudiments of knowledge (Arist., al.) Heb.5:12; πτωχὰ σ., Gal.4:9; σ. τοῦ κόσμου, Gal.4:3, Col.2:8, 20 (but see infr.).
__4. The material elements of the universe (Plat.; LXX, ll. with): 2Pe.3:10 3:12.
__5. The heavenly bodies (Ding. Laert.).
__6. The demons or tutelary spirits of nature (Enoch., Test., Sol., al.; for this sense in Ga, Col, ll. with, see ICC on Col.2:8; Enc. Bibl., see word " Elements ").†
(AS)