Amanuenses

/ˌæməˈnjuːənsiːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of amanuensis: persons employed to write what another person dictates, secretaries or scribes.

Etymology

From Latin 'amanuensis' (secretary), from 'a manu' (at hand) + 'ensis' (relating to). Literally means 'one who is at someone's hand,' describing a scribe positioned nearby to write dictation.

Kelly Says

Before computers, famous authors like Henry James would dictate entire novels to their amanuenses—the relationship between dictator and scribe was intimate and powerful, and these assistants left their handwriting and sometimes their mark on literary history.

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