epigraphy

[ ih-pig-ruh-fee ]

/ ɪˈpɪg rə fi /

the study or science of epigraphs or inscriptions, especially of ancient inscriptions.

inscriptions collectively.

Origin of epigraphy

First recorded in 1850–55; epigraph + -y³

e·pig·ra·phist, e·pig·ra·pher, noun

The geography and topography of ancient lands, anthropology and ethnology, archaeology and epigraphy contribute to its material.

College Teaching |Paul Klapper
It is pleasant to linger under these arches and deliver oneself to the pleasures of epigraphy.

The Spell of the Heart of France |Andr Hallays
Having weakened his eyesight by the study of documents of the middle ages, he turned his attention to epigraphy and numismatics.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 2 |Various
Both interpretations are entirely gratuitous suppositions, for which Christian epigraphy furnishes absolutely no warrant.

The Catacombs of Rome |William Henry Withrow

And it was the work of one great scholar, Augustus Boeckh, to raise Greek epigraphy into a science.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 6 |Various

epigraphy

/ (ɪˈpɪɡrəfɪ) /

the study of ancient inscriptions

epigraphs collectively

epigraphist or epigrapher, noun