Glossary of Genealogy & Family History Terms Genealogy has its own language, similar to other disciplines such as law, medicine or real estate. When tracing your family tree it is common to encounter records filled with archaic, obsolete or legal terms, acronyms and abbreviations that you aren't familiar with. This can make genealogy seem a lot like learning a foreign language to an overwhelmed "newbie." Misinterpreting these terms or applying present-day definitions to documents created in an earlier century can lead your research in the wrong direction. Taking the time to look up the appropriate meaning of a word or interpretation of an abbreviation is an important part of your family history search. This glossary consists of common genealogy terms, archaic medical terms, latin terms commonly found in genealogical records, genealogical acronyms and abbreviations commonly found in genealogy records. To find the terms you are looking for, simply click the appropriate letter in the navigation bar located at the top of each index page in the glossary, or browse through terms which are relevant to a particular genealogy topic by browsing the related terms included on each definition page. This glossary is a continual work-in-progress. If you come across a term you think should be included in the glossary, please send me an email at [email protected] and include GLOSSARY TERM as the subject of your email. I am especially interested in suggestions for terms you have come across which you need to know the meaning for (a recent example I was given is "pew tax"). http://genealogy.about.com/library/glossary/blglossary.htm?PM=ss14_genealogy Example: Metes and Bounds Definition: A survey method used in the State-Land states of the United States which uses specific distance measurements (metes) and definite boundary markers (bounds) such as natural land features, including trees and streams, as well as adjoining property lines to describe plots of land. This system is still in use today in many areas, though permanent iron pins and stakes are now used to mark boundaries. Synonyms: indiscriminate survey, indiscriminate metes and bounds Pronunciation: [meets and bounds] • (noun) Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ [email protected] List Owner: [email protected] "Today is tomorrow's history." All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus 2002 .