diplomatics

American  

[dip-luh-mat-iks] / ˌdɪp ləˈmæt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science of deciphering old official documents, as charters, and of determining their authenticity, age, or the like.

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diplomatics British  

/ ˌdɪpləˈmætɪks /

noun

1. the critical study of historical documents

2. a less common word for diplomacy

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Etymology

Origin of diplomatics

First recorded in 1785–95; see origin at diplomatic, -ics

Example Sentences

Well," said Ike slowly, "that there's a purty particular bit of diplomatics, and I aint used to it.

From The Prospector by Connor, Ralph

Diplō′matist, Dip′lōmat, one skilled in diplomacy; Diplomatol′ogy, the study or science of diplomatics, charters, decrees, &c.—Diplomatic corps, or Corps diplomatique, the whole body of foreign diplomatists resident at any court.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

We may mention, in passing, that the papyrus roll gave us a word still in use in diplomatics, the word protocol.

From Illuminated Manuscripts by Bradley, John William

As above stated, the form of the deed is unusual and follows no precedent; many words are more suggestive of the classics than the customary usage of diplomatics in the 14th century.

From Sheffield and its Environs 13th to the 17th century A descriptive catalogue of land charters and other documents forming the Brooke Taylor collection by Hall, Thomas Walter

Only the surprise of it, his own dumb unreadiness, his unwonted lack of ingenuity and diplomatics had almost lost her to him.

From Nobody by Jacobs, W. L.

Related Words

• diplomacy