gnomology

English

Etymology

Ancient Greek γνωμολογία (gnōmología) from γνώμη (gnṓmē, “judgement, maxim”) + -λογία (-logía, “study”) (from λέγω (légō, “gather, pick up”), see anthology). Compare French gnomologie.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /nəʊˈmɒləd͡ʒi/

Noun

gnomology (plural gnomologies)

1. (obsolete) A collection of, or a treatise on, maxims, grave sentences, or reflections.
   • 1645 March 14 (Gregorian calendar), John Milton, Tetrachordon: Expositions upon the Foure Chief Places in Scripture, which Treat of Mariage, or Nullities in Mariage. […], London: [s.n.], →OCLC:

     wisest men have also taught in their ethical precepts and Gnomologies

References

• “gnomology”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.