Breviograph

A breviograph (from L. brevis, short, and Gk. grapho, to write) is a type of scribal abbreviation in the form of an easily written symbol, character, flourish, or stroke based on a modified letter form used to take the place of a common letter combination, especially those occurring at the beginning or end of a word. Breviographs were used frequently by stenographers, law clerks, and scriveners, and were also found in early printed books and tracts. Their use declined after the 17th century.

See also

• Acronym and initialism
• Palaeography

• Classical abbreviations
• Medieval abbreviations
• Scribal abbreviations

Sources

• Elaine E. Whitaker, "Lacunae and the id est Brevigraph in Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Bodley 283," Manuscripta 36, no. 3 (1992), 191-99.