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Webster 1913 Edition

Diptych

Dip′tych

,
Noun.
[L.
diptycha
, pl., fr. Gr. [GREEK] folded, doubled;
δι-
=
δίσ-
twice + [GREEK] to fold, double up.]
1.
Anything consisting of two leaves.
Especially:
(a)
(Roman Antiq.)
A writing tablet consisting of two leaves of rigid material connected by hinges and shutting together so as to protect the writing within.
(b)
A picture or series of pictures painted on two tablets connected by hinges. See
Triptych
.
2.
A double catalogue, containing in one part the names of living, and in the other of deceased, ecclesiastics and benefactors of the church; a catalogue of saints.

Webster 1828 Edition

Diptych

DIPTYCH

,
Noun.
[Gr., to fold.] A public register of the names of consuls and other magistrates among pagans; and of bishops, martyrs and others, among Christians; so called because it sometimes two leaves folded, but is sometimes contained three or more leaves. The sacred diptych was a double catalogue, in one of which were registered the names of the living, and in the other the names of the dead, which were to be rehearsed during the office.

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