parchment etymology

Etymology

The word "parchment" comes from the Old French word "parchemin," which in turn comes from the Latin word "pergamena." "Pergamena" is derived from the name of the city of Pergamon in Asia Minor (now Turkey), where parchment was first produced.

Meaning and Origin

Parchment is a writing material made from the prepared skin of an animal, typically a sheep, calf, or goat. It is characterized by its smooth, durable surface and its ability to absorb ink without smudging.

Parchment was first developed in Pergamon in the 2nd century BC as a substitute for papyrus, which was the common writing material at the time. Parchment proved to be more durable and less prone to tearing than papyrus, and it quickly became the preferred writing material for important documents, such as legal contracts, religious texts, and literary works.

Uses

Parchment was used extensively throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance for various purposes, including:

• Writing books and manuscripts
• Drawing maps and charts
• Creating legal documents
• Producing religious scrolls
• Making musical scores

In the modern era, parchment is still used for certain specialized purposes, such as:

• Creating diplomas and certificates
• Binding rare books
• Making lampshades and other decorative items

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