Bolograph

/ˈboʊləɡræf/ noun

Definition

A document or handwritten text that is entirely written by the person whose signature or name it bears, without assistance from others.

Etymology

From Greek 'bolos' (meaning 'throw' or 'mass') combined with '-graph' (meaning 'writing'). This technical legal and literary term emerged in the 19th century to distinguish original hand-written documents from copies.

Kelly Says

A bolograph is crucial in authentication—when scholars find a handwritten letter or will, they compare it against known samples to verify it's a true bolograph, and this detective work has revealed forged historical documents and authenticated lost masterpieces!

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