The use of abbreviations and acronyms is common in Genealogy. In addition, many genealogical records contain obsolete, archaic, or legal terms that can be difficult to interpret, which are no longer in common use, or with which you may be unfamiliar.
Applying present-day definitions to historical documents, or misinterpreting genealogical terms, can direct your research in the wrong direction.
The glossary provided here is an excellent starting point but you may also wish to refer to the dictionaries, genealogical reference books and encyclopaedias listed below.
Recommended Books
Bristow, Joy The Local Historian's Glossary of Words & Terms (Countryside Books)
FitzHugh, Terrick V. H. The Dictionary of Genealogy (SoG)
