printer's devil

noun

1. devil ( def 5 ).

printer's devil

noun

1. an apprentice or errand boy in a printing establishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of printer's devil¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

He should always have had the printers devil at his elbow with Sir, the printers want copy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the infernal economy, where a strict division of labour prevails, the printers devil is the librarian of hell.

From Project Gutenberg

I have no news of any kind, but am happy to say that I have at last escaped from the printers devil.

From Project Gutenberg