chapbook

[ chap-book ]

noun

1. a small book or pamphlet of popular tales, ballads, etc., formerly hawked about by chapmen.
2. a small book or pamphlet, often of poetry.

chapbook

/ ˈtʃæpˌbʊk /

noun

1. a book of popular ballads, stories, etc, formerly sold by chapmen or pedlars

Word History and Origins

Origin of chapbook¹

1790–1800; chap (as in chapman ) + book

Example Sentences

Chiefly from a Chapbook Life, written apparently shortly after his death.

From Project Gutenberg

I have come across Mother Ross in our own chapbook literature, where the name may be traditional also.

From Project Gutenberg

The story of Whittington is still a favourite chapbook tale, and has its parallel in the fairy tales of various other countries.

From Project Gutenberg

It is evidently a reprint of a chapbook of the time of Charles II., as appears from many allusions.

From Project Gutenberg

A cave man is fun to be engaged to and keep a record about in your chapbook––but when you marry him it is a different matter.

From Project Gutenberg