pseudepigraphy

American  

[soo-duh-pig-ruh-fee] / ˌsu dəˈpɪg rə fi /

noun

1. the false ascription of a piece of writing to an author.

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Usage

What does pseudepigraphy mean? Pseudepigraphy is the attribution of a piece of writing to an author who did not actually write it. Attribution is “the act of stating who wrote or created something.” The term pseudepigraphy is often used in the context of sacred texts, especially Jewish and Christian scriptures. It is also a topic in literary criticism. Pseudepigraphy was the Dictionary.com Word of the Day on April 26, 2019!Example: After years of research and study, the scholar determined that the long-debated religious text was a case of pseudepigraphy.

Etymology

Origin of pseudepigraphy

First recorded 1835–45; pseud- + Greek epigraph(eús) “title, ascription to an author ”( see epigraph) + -y ³

Explanation

Pseudepigraphy is like cheating on a test in reverse: Instead of passing off someone else's work as your own, you're claiming a famous person wrote your work. When an author is famous, their work may carry better authority and a better reputation. Pseudepigraphy happens when someone intentionally attributes a work to a famous historical figure to ensure that it's taken seriously. This was common with ancient texts; for example, a scribe might claim that Aristotle authored a treatise that he never actually touched.

Example Sentences

Again it is a notable specimen of early Christian pseudepigraphy, and one which had manifold and far-reaching results.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various