ep1graph

[Gr. epigraphe, epigraphō=to write upon, to inscribe; epi =upon, and graphoto write, to inscribe; Fr. épigraphe.] 1. Ord. Lang .: A citation from some author, or a sentence framed for the purpose, and placed at the beginning of a work, or of the several divisions of a work; a motto. "The very legible epigraph round the seal of his letter: 'It is particularly requested that if Sir James Graham should open this, he will not trouble himself to seal it again,' expre es both its date and its writer's opinion of a notorious transaction of the time."-Forster: Life of Dickens , iii. 85. 2. Arch ., & c .: A terse inscription placed on works denoting their use and appropriation, and sometimes made part of their ornamental details, with which it is incorporated. ěp-i-grăph-ic, a. [Eng. epigraph; -ic.] Of or pertaining to an epigraph; of the nature of an epigraph. "One of the most noteworthy additions to the Capitoline epigraphic collections." -Athenœum, Oct. 28, 1882. ěp-I-graph-ics, 8. [EPIGRAPHIC.] The science of inscriptions. ě-pig-ra-phist, s. [Eng epigraph; -ist.] One who studies or is versed in epigraphy.