Superscribed

Superscribed is the past participle form of the verb superscribe and, in traditional usage, refers to something that has been written above the main line or inscribed at the top of a page. In modern contexts the term is largely archaic or specialized; the more common expressions describe text as written in superscript or a page bearing a superscription.

Historically, superscribed could describe a heading, dedication, or address placed above the main text on a manuscript, label, or letter. It can also refer to an inscription positioned above the body of writing rather than within it, such as an introductory note or title at the top of a document.

Etymology: superscribed derives from Latin super- meaning above plus scribere meaning to write. The related noun superscription denotes the heading or inscription itself, while the adjective describes the presence of such an inscription.

Contemporary usage and alternatives: In typography and modern writing, the precise term for text raised above the baseline is superscript. Consequently, superscribed is rarely used today and can be ambiguous. If describing the act or result of placing text above the main line, phrases like “the text is in superscript” or “the document bears a superscription” are preferred.

See also: superscript, superscription, inscription, handwriting.