n.1 a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources.
2 (in pl.) an autobiography or a written account of one's memory of certain events or people.
3 a an essay on a learned subject specially studied by the writer. b (in pl.) the proceedings or transactions of a learned society (Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society).
Derivatives:
memoirist n.
Etymology: F m{eacute}moire (masc.), special use of m{eacute}moire (fem.) MEMORY