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foolscap

 - 3 dictionary results

fools⋅cap

  [foolz-kap]
Use foolscap in a Sentence
–noun
1. a type of inexpensive writing paper, esp. legal-size, lined, yellow sheets, bound in tablet form.
2. Chiefly British. a size of drawing or printing paper, 13 1/2 × 17 in. (34 × 43 cm). Abbreviation: cap., fcp.
3. Also called foolscap octavo. a size of book, about 4 1/4 × 6 3/4 in. (11 × 17 cm), untrimmed.
4. Also called foolscap quarto. Chiefly British. a size of book, about 6 3/4 × 8 1/2 in. (17 × 22 cm) untrimmed.
5. fool's cap (def. 1).
Origin:
1690–1700; so called from the watermark of a fool's cap formerly used on such paper
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To foolscap
fools·cap   (fōōlz'kāp')   
n.  

  1. Chiefly British A sheet of writing or printing paper measuring approximately 13 by 16 inches.

  2. A fool's cap.


[From the watermark of a fool's cap with bells originally used for this paper.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

foolscap 
c.1700 as a type of paper; so called because this type of paper was originally watermarked with a court jester's cap.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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