handwriting

plural handwritings · alternative archaic hand-writing

1. uncountableusuallyThe act or process of writing done with the hand, rather than typed or word-processed.

   Synonyms: hand

2. uncountableusuallyText that was written by hand.

   Synonyms: manuscript

3. uncountableusuallyThe characteristic writing of a particular person.

   In some handwritings of the seventh or eighth century, where the letters have a round form, the substitution of OT for EG would be far from difficult.

   1893, Joseph B. Lightfoot, Essays on "Supernatural Religion"

   3 more examples

   He took up the letter: well did he know the delicate and graceful handwriting; but he saw that the characters were tremulous, and it had obviously been written at different times.

   1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 284–285

   It was still early in the morning when Elettra brought her a letter, bearing the postmark of the city, and addressed in one of those small, clear handwritings which seem naturally to belong to scholars and students.

   1895, F. Marion Crawford, Taquisara

   Great libraries are only just beginning to gather up the manuscript minutiae which their books contain; to identify handwritings; to decipher monograms; to collect facts.

   1914, P. S. Allen, The Age of Erasmus

   Synonyms: chirography, autograph, penmanship

4. broadlyuncountableusuallyA characteristic trait or hallmark by which somebody may be recognised.

   The show needs to portray the designer's handwriting but it should also be innovative too.

   2016, Nilgin Yusuf, Fashion's Front Line, page 112

   1 more example

   And, my friend believes, Armedov is getting paid by...? Yes, our friends at Langley! CIA handwriting all over it, he reckons!

   2013, Chris Payne, High Crimes And Low Stakes: Chris Payne, page 259

alternative archaic hand-writing

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of handwrite