demy

[ dih-mahy ]

noun

, plural de·mies.

1. a foundation scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford: so called because such a scholar originally received half the allowance of a fellow.
2. (in England) a size of printing paper, 17.5 × 22.5 inches (44 × 57 centimeters).
3. a size of drawing or writing paper, 15.5 (39 centimeters) or 15 × 20 inches (38 × 51 centimeters) in England, 16 × 21 inches (41 × 53 centimeters) in the U.S.
4. Also called de·my oc·ta·vo [dih-, mahy, ok-, tey, -voh, -, tah, -]. a size of book, about 5.5 × 8.75 inches (14 × 48 centimeters), untrimmed. : demy 8vo
5. Also called de·my quar·to [dih-, mahy, , kwawr, -toh]. Chiefly British. a size of book, about 8.75 × 11 inches (22 × 28 centimeters), untrimmed. : demy 4to

demy

/ dɪˈmaɪ /

noun

1. 1. a size of printing paper, 17 1 2 by 22 1 2 inches (444.5 × 571.5 mm)
   2. a size of writing paper, 15 1 2 by 20 inches (Brit) (393.7 × 508 mm) or 16 by 21 inches (US) (406.4 × 533.4 mm)
2. either one of two book sizes, 8 1 2 by 5 1 2 inches ( demy octavo ) or (chiefly Brit) 11 3 4 by 8 5 8 inches ( demy quarto )

Word History and Origins

Origin of demy¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English demi, demy; demi-

Word History and Origins

Origin of demy¹

C16: see demi-

Example Sentences

Film fans also know the band for its soundtrack to the Jacques Demy film Model Shop.

From The Daily Beast

This edition is in demy 4to, printed on the finest plate paper, and contains six copper-plate etchings.

From Project Gutenberg

He was described as "homme de moenne stature, ayant barbe demy blanche, et le visage hault et large."

From Project Gutenberg

It has lately been made broader by forming Demy-Arches which support the Riders on each side.

From Project Gutenberg

There we found six great pieces of brass ordinance, mounted upon their carriages, some Demy, some Whole-Culvering.

From Project Gutenberg

I filled two or three sheets of demy writing-paper, folded in octavo, with these memorandums.

From Project Gutenberg