historical method

American  

noun

1. the process of establishing general facts and principles through attention to chronology and to the evolution or historical course of what is being studied.

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historical method British  

noun

1. a means of learning about something by considering its origins and development

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Etymology

Origin of historical method

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Jenkins describes herself as “a prosecutor who is looking away from the historical method of punishment and incarceration,” an echo of Price and of Boudin.

From Washington Post

“Why not allow people a choice of reconstruction to show them that uncertainty is part of the historical method?”

From New York Times

Unfortunately, Bruen’s level of intellectual dishonesty and ignorance of basic legal historical method and well established facts easily located in readily accessible sources further undermines the legitimacy of the court at a moment when it can ill afford any further erosion in its standing.

From Slate

“That’s not the way to work. It’s not a historical method.”

From New York Times

Dray’s historical method involves a bit of overlapping and backtracking, and he sometimes seems more interested in the literary description and public presentation of hunting rather than the act itself.

From New York Times