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.