patrology

[ puh-trol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural pa·trol·o·gies.

1. Also called patristics. the branch of theology dealing with the teachings of the church fathers.
2. a collection of the writings of the early church fathers.

patrology

/ pəˈtrɒlədʒɪ; ˌpætrəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of the writings of the Fathers of the Church
2. a collection of such writings

Derived Forms

• paˈtrologist, noun
• patrological, adjective

Other Words From

• pat·ro·log·ic [pa-tr, uh, -, loj, -ik], patro·logi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrology¹

From the New Latin word patrologia, dating back to 1590–1600. See patri-, -o-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrology¹

C17: from Greek patr-, patēr father + -logy

Example Sentences

He was a pioneer in the fields of patrology and of biblical archaeology.

From Project Gutenberg

For the ancient period, cf. the works on Greek patrology (under article Fathers of the Church).

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: patristic, patristics, patrology, patrist.

From Project Gutenberg