paleography Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the study of ancient forms of writing (and the deciphering of them)

WordNet

Pa`le*og"ra*phy noun
Etymology
Paleo- + -graphy: cf. F. paléographie.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913