Meaning

Something written (or engraved) on the surface, outside, or above something else; specifically, an address on a letter, envelope, etc..

Definitions by Sense

1. Something written (or engraved) on the surface, outside, or above something else; specifically, an address on a letter, envelope, etc.
2. An editorial addition at the beginning, often indicating the authorship of a piece.
3. The act of superscribing.

Example Sentences

Hovv counterfeit a coin they are vvho friends / Bear in their Superſcription (of the moſt / I vvould be underſtood) in proſperous days / They ſvvarm, but in adverſe vvithdravv their head / Not to be found, though ſought.

"Dear me, Mr. Holmes. Dear me!" said this singular epistle. There was neither superscription nor signature. I laughed at the quaint message; but Holmes showed unwonted seriousness.

Its superscription was my name, and the name of the sender, my mother.

Schwartz glanced at the printed superscription on the envelope and grumbled as he put the envelope away in his overcoat pocket, to read at leisure.

1911, Encyclopædia Britannica By a pure error, or perhaps through a confusion in the traditions, Achish the Philistine (of Gath, 1 Sam. xxi., xxvii.), to whom David fled, is called Abimelech in the superscription to Psalm 34.

Word Forms

• superscriptions

Related Words

When Should You Use Superscription?

Use superscription when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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