epigraphy

American  

[ih-pig-ruh-fee] / ɪˈpɪg rə fi /

noun

1. the study or science of epigraphs or inscriptions, especially of ancient inscriptions.

2. inscriptions collectively.

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epigraphy British  

/ ɪˈpɪɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the study of ancient inscriptions

2. epigraphs collectively

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Other Word Forms

• epigrapher noun
• epigraphist noun

Etymology

Origin of epigraphy

First recorded in 1850–55; epigraph + -y ³

Example Sentences

Further classes include concentration in Roman epigraphy and history.

From Washington Post

A celebrated inscription graven on the rocky face of one of the mountain peaks of Ho-nan passes for contemporaneous with these works, and is consequently the most ancient specimen of Chinese epigraphy extant.

From Project Gutenberg

The literature which deals with the science of epigraphy is very large.

From Project Gutenberg

But epigraphy tells us more than literary history of the charity of the emperors.

From Project Gutenberg

He made epigraphy his particular theme, and at the age of twenty-three became a professor of rhetoric at Angoul�me, where he lived and worked for ten years without further ambition.

From Project Gutenberg