Word of the Week amanuensis

a·man·u·en·sis

əˌmanyəˈwensəs/

noun

noun: amanuensis; plural noun: amanuenses

1. a literary or artistic assistant, in particular one who takes dictation or copies manuscripts.

   Google says it's use began in the early 17th century.  Not a period word but still an awesome one!
   
   

Brought to us by June Russell.  Thanks June!
 
And from OED:

amanuensis, n.

Pronunciation:  /əˌmænjuːˈɛnsɪs/

Forms:  Pl. -es /iːz/ .

Etymology:  Latin (in Suetonius) adj. used subst., < a manu a secretary, short for servus a manu + -ensis belonging to.(Show Less)

Thesaurus »

 

  One who copies or writes from the dictation of another.

1619   W. Sclater Expos. Thess. (1627) I. To Reader 6   An Amanuensis to take my Dictates.

1632   R. Burton Anat. Melancholy (ed. 4) Democritus to Rdr. 12   Allowing him sixe or seuen Amanuenses to write out his dictats.

1714   Spectator No. 617. ⁋4   Our Friend..by the help of his Amanuensis, took down all their Names.

1765   A. Tucker Light of Nature II. 446   Cæsar could dictate to three amanuenses together.

1860   S. Smiles Self-help ii. 38   For many years after their marriage, she acted as his amanuensis.