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 the critical study of historical documents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; diplomatic, -ics

Example Sentences

The flowers and insects will give me that relaxation, with God's will, after my long researches in philology and diplomatics.

From The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard by France, Anatole

There are dictionaries of antiquities, of chronology, of dates, of genealogy, of heraldry, of diplomatics, of abbreviations, of useful receipts, of monograms, of adulterations and of very many other subjects.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various

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

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

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

Related Words

• diplomacy