palimpsest

& a. [Greek palimpsest on = a palimpsest, neut. of palimpsestos =scraped again: pref. pal in-, and Gr. psēstos =rubbed, scraped; psao =to rub, to scrape.] A. As subst .: A piece of parchment whose original writing has been removed to fit it for a subsequent record. Many old documents were thus obliterated, and the writing is restored by an infusion of gall, dilute hydrochloric acid, oil, ., a certain trace of the materials of ink remaining in the substance of the parchment which acts upon the substance applied. "The history of the reign of Henry VIII. is a palimp sest in which the original writing can still be read."Froude: Hist. Eng ., vol. iv., ch. iii. B. As adjective : A term applied to a parchment whence writing has been removed, and something written in its place, or to a monumental bra , which has been turned, and another figure cut on the reverse side. " Palimpsest bra es are also found at Berkhampstead." -Archæologia, xxx. 124. păl-in-, pref. [Gr. pal in.] Again, back.