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SPHRAGISTICS/sfrəˈdʒɪstɪk/ The scientific study of seals or signet rings. Though rare, this word has its place in the fields of decorative arts and archaeology. It is almost the only word in English today that contains the /sfr/ combination of sounds, not the easiest cluster of consonants to say. It is from Greek sphragis, a seal (sphragistes is the Greek term for an Egyptian priest who kept and used the temple seal). The original idea behind this word in English was very much tied up with diplomacy, since there was a real practical need to confirm that the seals on what purported to be official documents from foreign countries were genuine. So specialists studied the history of seals. They still do, but these days for less pressing reasons. |
Page created 11 May 2002
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