paleography

noun pa·le·og·ra·phy \ˌpā-lē-ˈä-grə-fē, especially British ˌpa-\

Definition of PALEOGRAPHY

: the study of ancient writings and inscriptions

a : an ancient manner of writing

b : ancient writings

— pa·le·og·ra·pher \-fər\ noun

New Latin palaeographia, from Greek palai- pale- + -graphia -graphy

First Known Use: 1806

Next Word in the Dictionary: paleohydrologyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: paleographicAll Words Near: paleography

What made you want to look up paleography? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears