2. The study of language, especially in a philosophical manner and as a science; the investigation of the laws of human speech, the relation of different tongues to one another, and historical development of languages; linguistic science.
Note: Philology comprehends a knowledge of the etymology, or origin and combination of words; grammar, the construction of sentences, or use of words in language; criticism, the interpretation of authors, the affinities of different languages, and whatever relates to the history or present state of languages. It sometimes includes rhetoric, poetry, history, and antiquities.
3. A treatise on the science of language.
PHILOMATH Phil"o*math, n. Etym: [Gr. fi`los loving, a friend + ma`qh learning, fr.
Defn: A lover of learning; a scholar. Chesterfield.
PHILOMATHEMATIC
Phil`o*math`e*mat"ic, n.
Defn: A philomath.
PHILOMATHIC
Phil`o*math"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. F. philomathique.]
1. Of or pertaining to philomathy.
2. Having love of learning or letters.