Hieratic
/ˌhaɪəˈrætɪk/noun
Relating to priests or priestly functions; also, a cursive script used in ancient Egypt.
Did you know?Hieratic comes from the Greek word for “priestly,” and it was the name of a real Egyptian writing system used by scribes and priests as a faster, sacred alternative to hieroglyphs.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
hieratikós
“priestly; belonging to priests”
Late Greek
Greek
hieratikḗ (grámmata)
“the priestly script used in Egypt”
Late Latin
Latin
hieraticus
“priestly; relating to sacred writing”
Middle French
French
hiératique
“priestly; solemn; rigid”
Late Middle English
English
hieratik
“priestly; relating to sacred or ceremonial writing”
Modern English
English
hieratic
“relating to priests, sacred rituals, or the ancient Egyptian cursive script”
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