What is the real meaning of Philately...?

Phil - having an affinity for ately, telein or ateleia (tax exempt) - to pay, tolerate. also french ateles - free from tax The coining of the word "philately" in its French form has been circumstantially attributed to Georges Herpin in the publication Le Collectionneur de timbres-postes, Vol. 1, November 15, 1864. It is formed from the Greek words philos (friend) and ateleia (exempt from charge, or "franked"), which is a stretch to relate to the study of stamps, but the alternatives of "timbrophily" & "timbrology" or "timbrologist" never caught on.

Hello philabox..... Would you like some free stamps to add to your collection ?? Check my discussions to find out how if you are interested. Tom