cancellaresca corsiva

noun

can·​cel·​la·​re·​sca cor·​si·​va
(ˌ)känˌcheləˈreskə(ˌ)kȯrˈsēvə
variants or less commonly cancellaresca
: a style of cursive manuscript handwriting that had its origin at the Vatican in the 15th century

Word History

Etymology

cancellaresca corsiva, modification of Italian cancelleresca corsiva cursive cancellaresca; cancellaresca, modification of Italian cancelleresca, probably short for lettera cancelleresca chancellery handwriting, from lettera handwriting + cancelleresca, feminine of cancelleresco of a chancellery, from cancelleria chancellery (from French chancellerie) + -esco -esque

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near cancellaresca corsiva

Cite this Entry

“Cancellaresca corsiva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancellaresca%20corsiva. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!