Parchment
/ˈpɑːrtʃ.mənt/noun
A writing material made from specially prepared animal skin.
Did you know?Parchment gets its name from Pergamon, the ancient Anatolian city famous for producing and perfecting fine writing skins when papyrus supplies ran short.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πέργαμον (Pergamon)
“The name of the city of Pergamon in Asia Minor, associated with fine prepared writing skins.”
Late Latin
Latin
pergamenum
“Parchment; writing material from Pergamon.”
Old French
French
parchemin
“Parchment.”
Middle English
English
parchemyn
“Parchment; prepared animal skin used for writing.”
Modern English
English
parchment
“A durable writing material made from animal skin.”
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