Hierogrammatists

Hierogrammatists (from ἱερός, sacred, and γραμματεύς, a scribe), the sacred scribes among the ancient Egyptians. They employed the hieratic writing (q.v.), in transcribing religious writings on prapyri. and in giving an account of religious rites and ceremonies. It was their duty also to expound the sacred mysteries as far as they were allowed to be made known to the people. They carried a wand, and were dressed in linen garments. SEE SCRIBE.