hieratic

Other forms: hieratically

Definitions of hieratic

1. adjective

   associated with the priesthood or priests
   “hieratic gestures”

   synonyms: hieratical, priestly, sacerdotal
2. adjective

   written or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing
   “hieratic Egyptian script”
3. noun

   a cursive form of Egyptian hieroglyphics; used especially by the priests
   synonyms: hieratic script

   types:

   Demotic, Demotic script

   a simplified cursive form of the ancient hieratic script

   type of:

   hieroglyph, hieroglyphic

   a writing system using picture symbols; used in ancient Egypt
4. adjective

   adhering to fixed types or methods; highly restrained and formal
   “the more hieratic sculptures leave the viewer curiously unmoved”

   synonyms:

   nonrepresentational

   of or relating to a style of art in which objects do not resemble those known in physical nature