Noah Webster
Inscription
INSCRIP'TION, noun [Latin inscriptio. See Inscribe.]
1. Something written or engraved to communicate knowledge to after ages; any character, word, line or sentence written or engraved on a solid substance for duration; as inscriptions on monuments, called epitaphs, on pillars, etc. We do not call by this name writings on paper or parchment.
2. A title.
3. An address or consignment of a book to a person, as a mark of respect, or an invitation of patronage. It is less formal than a dedication.