inscription

n. act of writing or inscribing; dedication of a book or work of art

Epigraphy (Greek, ἐπιγραφή — "written upon") is the study of inscriptions or epigraphs engraved into stone or other durable materials, or cast in metal, the science of classifying them as to cultural context and date, elucidating them and assessing what conclusions can be deduced from them. A person studying this is called an epigrapher or epigraphist.
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Noun
1. letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something
(synonym) lettering
(hypernym) writing, written material, piece of writing
(hyponym) Rosetta stone
2. a short message (as in a book or musical work or on a photograph) dedicating it to someone or something
(synonym) dedication
(hypernym) message
(classification) music
3. the activity of inscribing (especially carving or engraving) letters or words
(hypernym) writing, committal to writing
(hyponym) superscription
(derivation) inscribe

n. registration, enlistment, inscription; enrolment, listing, posting, entry

(n.)
The act or process of inscribing.
  

(n.)
That which is inscribed; something written or engraved; especially, a word or words written or engraved on a solid substance for preservation or public inspection; as, inscriptions on monuments, pillars, coins, medals, etc.
  

(n.)
An address, consignment, or informal dedication, as of a book to a person, as a mark of respect or an invitation of patronage.
  

(n.)
A line of division or intersection; as, the tendinous inscriptions, or intersections, of a muscle.