amanuensis

An amanuensis is a person employed to write or type what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another, and also refers to a person who signs a document on behalf of another under the latter's authority. Etymology From Latin āmanuēnsis (“secretary”), from ab- (“from, off (of)”) + manus (“hand”) + -ensis (“of or from (a place)”), early 17th c. Uses It is also used in some academic contexts, when an injured or disabled person is helped by an amanuensis at a written examination. The word was also used when Eric Fenby assisted the blind composer Frederick Delius in writing down the notes that Delius dictated. In Finland, amanuenssi is an administrative employee of a university, research institution or museum. In Finnish universities, amanuenses can be involved with student guidance counseling, organising course activities, etc.