An inscription on a building, statue, or coin, or a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter. In literature, it often sets the tone or theme for what follows.
From Greek epi (upon, on) + graphein (to write), meaning 'writing upon' or 'inscription.' The word entered English in the mid-17th century via Latin epigraphē. Originally referring to ancient inscriptions carved on monuments and buildings, it expanded to include literary quotations placed 'upon' or at the beginning of texts.
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