scrivener

Definition

A professional writer; one whose occupation is to draw contracts or prepare writings.

Etymology

From Middle English scryvener, alteration of scryveyn, from Anglo-Norman scrivein (“professional penman, copyist”), from Old French escrivain, from Vulgar Latin *scriba, *scribanem, from Latin scriba, from scrībō (“I write”).

Example Sentences

• "Scrivener (enters with a paper in hand):Here is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings, Which in a set hand fairly is engrossed That is may be today read o'er in Paul's. And mark how well the sequel hangs together: Eleven hours I have spent to write it over[…]"
• "Below this, sat two scrivener monks at two little desks, on which were scrolls of parchment and ink-horns and goose-quill pens."