Sphragistics
/sfraˈdʒɪs.tɪks/noun
The study of seals, especially historical seals on documents.
Did you know?Sphragistics comes from Greek *sphragis* meaning “seal,” the same ancient root behind the idea of something being officially marked, protected, or set apart.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σφραγίς (sphragís)
“a seal, signet, or mark used to authenticate”
Late Greek
Greek
σφραγιστικός (sphragistikós)
“relating to sealing or to seals”
Medieval Latin
Latin
sphragistica
“the study or use of seals”
18th Century
English
sphragistics
“the study of seals, especially historical and diplomatic seals”
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