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 the critical study of historical documents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

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

The reading and judging of manuscripts are now known as the science of diplomatics.

From Forty Centuries of Ink or, a chronological narrative concerning ink and its backgrounds, introducing incidental observations and deductions, parallels of time and color phenomena, bibliography, chemistry, poetical effusions, citations, anecdotes and curiosa together with some evidence respecting the evanescent character of most inks of to-day and an epitome of chemico-legal ink. by Carvalho, David Nunes

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

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

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

Related Words

• diplomacy