| philology |
| Definition - The traditional name for the study of language. Notes: 1. In the 20th century this term was superseded by linguistics, especially in the United States. Hence, those who were once called philologists are now called linguists. |
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Etymology - The word ultimately derives from the Greek philologia, love of literature, discussion, and learning (from philo, loving + logos, word or speech). |
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Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation in the sense "the study of language" is from 1716: "Harduin has there several erudite Remarks upon Philology: especially upon the Pronunciation and Dialects of the Greek Tongue." (M. Davies Athen. Brit. III. 102) |
