| Click on button beside each word to indicate how it is abbreviated in the text. |
| Apart from the nomina sacra term domini, the various abbreviations are standardised contractions or shortenings of word endings. What we have shown here as an abbreviation for et is arguably not really an abbreviation, but a ligature of the letters et. However, it was retained as a form of the word et long after ligatures went out of fashion. In fact, the modern printed ampersand & resembles it mightily. Isn't that amazing? |
| Annals of Lorsch Abbey, from 791 (Vatican Library, Palat. 966, f.31v). All images from Ehrle and Libaert 1932, Plate 28. |
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