Chirography

/kaɪˈrɑːɡrəfi/ noun

Definition

The art and practice of handwriting; the study of handwriting, especially for analysis and authentication of documents.

Etymology

From Greek 'cheir' (hand) + 'graph' (write) + -y (practice/study). The term emerged as handwriting became an important skill in Renaissance Europe.

Kelly Says

Chirography is the parent discipline of forensic handwriting analysis—Renaissance scholars developed it when forgery became a serious problem and handwriting was your only signature.

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