parchment crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We've got the most comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "parchment crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "parchment crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SKIN: Parchment is fundamentally prepared animal skin, often from sheep, goats, or calves.
6 Letters
VELLUM: A fine, high-quality parchment, typically made from calfskin.
SCROLL: An ancient text or document written on a roll of parchment or similar material.
10 Letters
MANUSCRIPT: A hand-written document or book, often composed on parchment before the advent of printing presses.
More About "parchment crossword clue"
Parchment, a material for writing, painting, or binding, has a rich history spanning millennia. Unlike paper, which is made from plant fibers, parchment is derived from animal skins, primarily sheep, goats, and calves. The preparation process involves cleaning, stretching, and scraping the skin to create a smooth, durable, and often translucent surface.
Historically, parchment was the primary writing surface in Europe for over a thousand years, from antiquity through the Middle Ages, before being gradually supplanted by the introduction of paper. Its durability meant that ancient texts and important documents could be preserved for centuries, contributing significantly to the transmission of knowledge and culture. Many iconic historical texts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Domesday Book, were written on parchment.
Understanding the nature and history of parchment can often unlock related crossword clues. Clues might refer to its material source (skin, hide), its finer quality form (vellum), or the types of documents it holds (scroll, manuscript, codex). Recognizing these connections is key to solving puzzles that touch upon ancient writing materials.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related terms: For a clue like "parchment," think about what it's made of (skin, hide), what it's called when refined (vellum), or what's written on it (scroll, manuscript).
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the specified number of letters in the grid. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect possibilities.
- Think historically: Many crossword clues, especially those involving materials or objects, have historical contexts. Parchment is a prime example of an ancient material that often appears in clues related to history or literature.
- Use surrounding letters: If you're stuck, fill in any crossing letters you have from other clues. These will often reveal crucial letters for the "parchment" answer you're trying to solve.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is parchment?
Parchment is a material made from animal skin, typically calfskin, sheepskin, or goatskin, prepared for writing, printing, or binding. It's known for its durability, smooth surface, and longevity compared to early paper.
How is parchment different from paper?
Parchment is made from treated animal skin, while paper is derived from plant fibers (like wood pulp or rags). Parchment is generally more durable, smoother, and translucent than early paper, and historically, much more expensive to produce.
Are there different types of parchment?
Yes, 'vellum' is a specific type of parchment traditionally made from calfskin, known for its very fine quality and superior smoothness. While all vellum is parchment, not all parchment is vellum.