-fē, -fi noun
( -es )
Etymology: irregular (influence of -graphy ) from epigraph + -y
1.
a. : epigraphs, inscriptions
b. : the style of lettering used in inscriptions
on the basis of the epigraphy and the language this monument has been assigned to the first half of the eighth century — J.H.Fisher
2. : a study or science of inscriptions ; especially : the deciphering and interpretation of ancient inscriptions
paleography or the decipherment of documents and epigraphy … have been indispensable keys to the history of the alphabet — Edward Clodd