Old English writing "action of forming letters and characters," verbal noun from write, v.. From c.1200 as "text; body of poetry, narrative, etc. in written form; written material." From c.1300 as "a particular text;" mid-14c. as "act of composing a written text." From late 14c. as "craft of writing;" also "one's own handwriting or penmanship." Also late 14c. as "act of sending a letter; a letter, message." Writing-desk is from 1610s.