limner

noun

lim·​ner ˈlim(n)ə(r) How to pronounce limner (audio)
plural -s
1
a
: an illuminator of medieval manuscripts
illustrated by sedulous limnersTimes Literary Supplement
b
: one that draws or paints
especially : a self-taught itinerant artist
among the last of the traveling limners Esther Forbes
2
: one who describes or portrays (as in words)
in such terms does Carlyle, the fine, vivid limner that he is, introduce the AbbotE. V. Lucas

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lympner, alteration (influenced by -er) of limnour, alteration of luminour, from luminen to illuminate (a manuscript) + -our -or

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Cite this Entry

“Limner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limner. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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