‖ scriˈvano Obs.
Also 7 scriuana, skrivano, 8 pl. scrivani.
[It. = F. écrivain (see scrivein). Cf. prec. and escrivan.]
A professional writer; a notary; one who keeps accounts; a clerk, etc.
| 1581 J. Bell Haddon's Answ. Osorius 403 There must a Bull be desired at the length I suppose, or some scrow of Release from the Popes Scrivanoes. 1596 Nashe Saffron Walden O 2, If there were euer a paltrie Scriuano, betwixt a Lawiers Clark & a Poet, or smattering pert Boy [etc.]. c 1605 E. Scot in Purchas Pilgrims (1625) I. iii. 169 He bad me I should shew his Scriuana those Captaines. 1626 Shirley Brothers iv. i, You do not know the quirks of a Scrivano, A dash undoes a Family. 1782 Ann. Reg. ii. 14 The scrivani, or commissaries, who have the department of warrants, arrests, and police, are allowed no pay. |