Postmark

/ˈpoʊstmɑːrk/ noun

Definition

A mark stamped on mail by the post office showing the date and location where it was mailed.

Etymology

Compound of 'post' (from Latin 'postis,' meaning 'to place') and 'mark.' This postal system innovation emerged in the 1600s-1700s as mail delivery became organized.

Kelly Says

Postmarks have become treasured by collectors and historians—a postmark tells you exactly when and where something was mailed, which is why old letters with rare postmarks can be worth thousands of dollars!

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