Definition of hieratic Hieratic

hi•er•at•ic

We found 11 definitions of hieratic from 5 different sources.

What does hieratic mean?

Noun Plural: hieratics
hieratic - a cursive form of Egyptian hieroglyphics; used especially by the priests
		hieratic script
		hieroglyph, hieroglyphic a writing system using picture symbols; used in ancient Egypt
Adjective
hieratic - adhering to fixed types or methods; highly restrained and formal; "the more hieratic sculptures leave the viewer curiously unmoved"
		nonrepresentational of or relating to a style of art in which objects do not resemble those known in physical nature
hieratic - written or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing; "hieratic Egyptian script"
hieratic - associated with the priesthood or priests; "priestly (or sacerdotal) vestments"; "hieratic gestures"
		priestly, hieratical, sacerdotal

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hieratic (Noun)
A writing system used in pharaonic Egypt that was developed alongside the hieroglyphic system, primarily written in ink with a reed brush on papyrus, allowing scribes to write quickly without resorting to the time consuming hieroglyphs.
hieratic (Adjective)
Of or pertaining to priests, especially pharaonic priests of ancient Egypt; sacerdotal.
hieratic (Adjective)
Of or pertaining to the cursive writing system developed by ancient Egyptian priests alongside the hieroglyphic system.
hieratic (Adjective)
Said of a work of art, literature, etc. extremely stylized, restrained or formal; adhering to fixed types or methods; severe in emotional import.

hieratic (a.)
Consecrated to sacred uses; sacerdotal; pertaining to priests.

hieratic
hī-ėr-at′ik, adj. sacred: relating to priests, applying to a certain kind of ancient Egyptian writing, which consisted of abridged forms of hieroglyphics; also to certain styles in art. [L. hieraticus—Gr. hieratikos—hieros, sacred.]