The word "philately" is the English transliteration of the French "philatélie", coined by Georges Herpin in 1864. ... He took the Greek root word φιλ(ο)- phil(o)-, meaning "an attraction or affinity for something", and ἀτέλεια ateleia, meaning "exempt from duties and taxes" to form "philatelie".

What is the old name for stamp collecting?

philately, the study of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, postmarks, postcards, and other materials relating to postal delivery. The term philately also denotes the collecting of these items.

What is the person who collects stamps as hobby called?

Stamp collecting can be a lifetime hobby. ... The study of stamps and postal materials is called philately and collectors are sometimes called philatelists.