paleography

American  

[pey-lee-og-ruh-fee, pal-ee-] / ˌpeɪ liˈɒg rə fi, ˌpæl i- /

noun

1. ancient forms of writing, as in documents and inscriptions.

2. the study of ancient writing, including determination of date, decipherment, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• paleographer noun
• paleographic adjective
• paleographical adjective
• paleographically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paleography

First recorded in 1810–20; paleo- + -graphy

Example Sentences

He demonstrated his ability to accurately transcribe a barely-legible original manuscript of Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” by disporting his skills in paleography, the study of ancient and antiquated writing systems.

From New York Times

Both Dr. Tov and Dr. Segal said that scholars might come to consider the En-Gedi manuscript as a Dead Sea scroll, especially if the early date indicated by paleography is confirmed.

From New York Times

This is a fascinating field, but the limits of paleography are also frustrating.

From Forbes

All this is being verified, not only by textual critics, but by the more recent discoveries in the study of Christian paleography.

From Project Gutenberg

King’s College London said it would abolish its chair in paleography, the study of ancient handwriting — the only such post in Britain.

From New York Times