Hieroglyphic

Greek name for the symbolic alphabet or figure painting which constituted the most formal writing of ancient Egyptians, from “hieros” and “grapho.” The Aztecs of Mexico also had a system of hieroglyphic writing. Brugsch: “Hierog. Demot. Wörterb.,” 4 vols., Leipsig, 1867-8. See Nahuatl .