Chartulary
/ˈtʃɑːr.tʃə.lər.i/noun
A register or collection of charters and legal documents, especially those of a church or monastery.
Did you know?Chartulary ultimately comes from Greek chartés, “papyrus, sheet of paper,” the same ancient root behind words like chart, charter, and even card — proof that the magic of records was once literally the power to name and preserve reality.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
chartēs
“Papyrus, sheet of paper, or writing material.”
Late Latin
Latin
charta
“Paper, leaf of writing material, or written document.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
chartularium
“A collection or register of charters and documents.”
Middle English
English
chartulary
“A register of charters, especially in a monastery or church.”
Modern English
English
chartulary
“A book or register of charters and legal documents.”