A geographical dictionary or directory listing and describing places, usually arranged alphabetically. A reference book providing information about the physical features, population, and other characteristics of places.
From Italian gazzettiere, originally meaning a writer of gazettes (newspapers). From gazzetta, a Venetian coin that was the price of a newspaper, possibly from gazza 'magpie' (suggesting chattering news). The meaning shifted from news writer to geographical reference book by the 17th century.
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