'palaeographical' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically the New Latin word 'palaeographia' (from Greek 'palaios' + 'graphē'), where 'palaios' meant 'old' and 'graphē' meant 'writing'.

'palaeographical' changed from the New Latin word 'palaeographia' and the Middle English noun 'palaeography' and eventually became the modern English adjective 'palaeographical'.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to the description or study of ancient writing', and over time it has retained this core meaning while being used broadly to describe matters related to ancient handwriting and manuscripts.