paleography

Pa`le*og"ra*phy, n. Etym: [Paleo- + -graphy: cf. F. paléographie.] 1. An ancient manner of writing; ancient writings, collectively; as, Punic paleography. 2. The study of ancient inscriptions and modes of writing; the art or science of deciphering ancient writings, and determining their origin, period, etc., from external characters; diplomatics.

---