indite
UK: ɪnˈdaɪt | US: ɪnˈdaɪt
vt. to compose or write (a literary work, especially in a formal style)
vt. (archaic) to dictate or give form to words in writing
The word "indite" originates from the Old French enditer, meaning "to compose or dictate," which itself derives from the Latin indictare (frequentative of indicere, "to proclaim"). The morpheme in- implies "into" or "upon," while -dite comes from the Latin root dict- (to say or speak). Over time, "indite" evolved in English to specifically denote the act of composing written works, though it is now considered archaic or poetic.
The poet sought to indite an epic that would endure through the ages.
Scholars of medieval literature often study how scribes would indite legal documents.
She indited a heartfelt letter to her long-lost friend.
The king commanded his scribe to indite the decree with utmost precision.
Modern writers rarely use the term "indite," preferring "compose" or "write" instead.