Considered to be the most complete dictionary of Old Armenian (also known as Classical Armenian or Grabar, this historic dictionary is essential to the study of this language. Written by three members of the Mekhitarist Order, this project represented the first major attempt to document Old Armenian in any comprehensive way. This two-volume reference work is presented in the Classical Armenian alphabet with definitions given in Latin. Still debated among linguists, the origins of Armenian remain obscure. Its pedigree in the family tree of languages is not a matter of consensus, although linguists generally agree that it represents an independent branch of its parental language group. The language of this dictionary represents the earliest known form of Armenian, making its value for the history of the language evident. As many ancient documents from Greek, Persian, Hebrew, Syriac, and Latin sources only survive in Armenian translation, the study of this tongue becomes especially important. This historical dictionary is a key to a noteworthy, yet frequently overlooked classical language.

Gabriel Avedikian (1784-1834), Khachadur Surmelian (1750-1827), and Mgrdich Avkerian (1762-1854) were Mekhitarist Fathers, sometimes referred to as the “three Vartabeds.” They are noted for their work in presenting scholarly tools for the study of Old Armenian.