Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
EL'EMENTS, Gal 4:3. Gal 1:9. elsewhere rendered RU'DIMENTS, Col 2:8,Ruth 4:20, or the first principles of an art or science, is a term applied to the ceremonial ordinances of the Mosaic law, which were weak, and beggarly, inasmuch as they consisted very much in outward observances, Heb 9:1, and were of temporary and partial service, when compared with the disclosures of grace and mercy which they were designed to shadow forth. In the case of the
Colossians, probably, these rudiments of the world embraced the doctrines of some vain and deceitful philosophy.