[proof-reed] 
verb, -read [-red] , -read⋅ing.| 1. | to read (printers' proofs, copy, etc.) in order to detect and mark errors to be corrected. |
| 2. | to read printers' proofs, copy, etc., to detect and mark errors, esp. as an employee of a typesetting firm, newspaper office, or publishing house. |
proof·read (prōōf'rēd')  (click for larger image in new window) v. proof·read (-rěd'), proof·read·ing, proof·reads v. tr. To read (copy or proof) in order to find errors and mark corrections. v. intr. To read copy or proof for purposes of error detection and correction. proof'read'er n. |
proofreading
reading and marking corrections on a proof or other copy of the text of articles and books before publication. Proofreading dates from the early days of printing. A contract of 1499 held the author finally responsible for correction of proofs. In modern practice, proofs are made first from a galley, a long tray holding a column of type, and hence are called galley proofs; the term is sometimes also used for the first copy produced in photocomposition and other forms of typesetting that do not involve metal type.
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