martyrology

noun

mar·tyr·ol·o·gy ˌmär-tə-ˈrä-lə-jē

1

: a catalog of Roman Catholic martyrs and saints arranged by the dates of their feasts

2

: ecclesiastical history treating the lives and sufferings of martyrs

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of martyrology was in 1599

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martyrologist

martyrology

martyry

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Martyrology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martyrology. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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