Paleography
Pronunciation : Pa`le*og"ra*phy
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Paleo- + -graphy: cf. F. pal?ographie.]
Definition : 1. An ancient manner of writing; ancient writings, collectively; as, Punic paleography.
2. The study of ancient inscriptions and modes of writing; the art or science of deciphering ancient writings, and determining their origin, period, etc., from external characters; diplomatics.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913