- diplomatic
- 1711, "pertaining to documents, texts, charters," from M.L. diplomaticus, from Gk. diplomat-, stem of diploma (see diploma). Meaning "pertaining to international relations" is recorded from 1787, apparently a sense evolved 18c. from the use of diplomaticus in Mod.L. titles of collections of international treaties, etc., in which the word refered to the "texts" but came to be felt as meaning "pertaining to international relations." In the general sense of "tactful and adroit," it dates from 1826. Related: Diplomatically.