historiated

American  

[hi-stawr-ee-ey-tid, -stohr-] / hɪˈstɔr iˌeɪ tɪd, -ˈstoʊr- /

adjective

1. (especially of initial letters on an illuminated manuscript) decorated with animals, flowers, or other designs that have a narrative or symbolic purpose.

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historiated British  

/ hɪˈstɔːrɪˌeɪtɪd /

adjective

1. Also: storiated.  decorated with flowers or animals

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Etymology

Origin of historiated

First recorded in 1845–50; from Medieval Latin historiātus “narrated in pictures,” from historiat-, stem of historiāre, derivative of Latin historia “history” + -ed ² ( def. ); history ( def. )

Example Sentences

At the request of Queen Claude, he used historiated rather than purely decorative borders.

From New York Times

Namely the figure in the historiated letter is identified as King Solomon, a figure known for his wisdom, wealth and writings.

From Washington Times

After Wegmann-Gabb identified the text, she questioned why the accompanying materials would peg King Solomon as the figure in the historiated letter.

From Washington Times

These include 77 of the 217 "historiated initials"—the first letters of opening words of the psalms and other prayers and texts, typically 4 or more inches high, which are elaborately decorated and gilded and then filled with miniature painted scenes that refer to the inscribed text that follows.

From The Wall Street Journal

Roman de Gillion de Trazegnies,'' considered one of the finest examples of the golden era of Flemish manuscript illumination, contains eight painted half-page miniatures and 44 historiated initials -- the enlarged letters incorporating pictures that begin sections of text.

From New York Times