From Greek words ‘old’ and ‘writing’; it is the rigorous discipline of deciphering ancient handwriting on codices and papyri. The styles of writing determine the dates of MSS. So palaeography is an essential stage in textual criticism of the NT.
Citation for palaeography
Citation styles are based on the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th Ed., and the MLA Style Manual, 2nd Ed..
MLA
"palaeography." In A Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. W. R. F. Browning. Oxford Biblical Studies Online. Jun 20, 2013. <http://www.oxfordbiblicalcstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e1398>.
Chicago
"palaeography." In A Dictionary of the Bible. , edited by W. R. F. Browning. Oxford Biblical Studies Online, http://www.oxfordbiblicalcstudies.com/article/opr/t94/e1398 (accessed Jun 20, 2013).