hieratic

From WikiWord, the free dictionary

/ˌhaɪ(ə)ˈɹætɪk/ English

Definitions

noun

A writing system used in pharaonic Egypt that was developed alongside the hieroglyphic system, primarily written in ink with a reed brush on papyrus, allowing scribes to write quickly without resorting to the time consuming hieroglyphs.

adjective

Of or pertaining to priests, especially pharaonic priests of Ancient Egypt.
Of or pertaining to the cursive writing system that developed alongside the hieroglyphic system as its ordinary handwritten counterpart.
Extremely stylized, restrained or formal; adhering to fixed types or methods; severe in emotional import.“Some of the more hieratic sculptures leave the viewer curiously unmoved.”

Related words

Synonyms

priestly sacerdotal hieratical nonrepresentational hieratic script ostracon hierophantic pharaonic telestic ancient egyptian priestal highpriestly hierophanical hierophanic hierurgical hierarchical

Associated

demotic hieroglyphic cursive papyri hieroglyphics papyrus amon coptic semitic funerary script

References