composing stick

American  

noun

Printing.

1. a portable, adjustable, usually metal tray that the compositor holds in one hand while placing in it type gathered with the other hand.

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composing stick British  

noun

1. printing a metal holder of adjustable width in which a compositor sets a line of type at a time by hand; now rarely used

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Etymology

Origin of composing stick

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

To the frontier editor, a pistol was as crucial as a composing stick.

From Time Magazine Archive

Keimer asked Benjamin a few questions, put a composing stick in his hands to test his competency, and declared that he would employ him soon though he had just then nothing for him to do.

From Benjamin Franklin; Self-Revealed, Volume II (of 2) A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own Writings by Bruce, Wiliam Cabell

He asked the young man a few questions, put a composing stick into his hands, and professed himself satisfied with his work.

From Benjamin Franklin A Picture of the Struggles of Our Infant Nation One Hundred Years Ago American Pioneers and Patriots Series by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

To see in your dreams a composing stick, foretells that difficult problems will disclose themselves, and you will be at great trouble to meet them.

From Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted, or what's in a dream: a scientific and practical exposition by Miller, Gustavus Hindman

Now the attacks come when she becomes tired holding her composing stick; at the same time she became very much flurried, so much so that she had to stop work because she was so confused.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock