ex libris

[ eks lee-bris, lahy- ]

1. from the library of (a phrase inscribed in or on a book before the name of the owner):

   Ex libris Jane Doe.

noun

, plural ex li·bris

1. an inscription in or on a book, to indicate the owner; bookplate.

ex libris

/ ɛks ˈliːbrɪs /

adjective

1. from the collection or library of: frequently printed on bookplates

noun

1. a bookplate bearing the owner's name, coat of arms, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex libris¹

First recorded in 1875–80, ex libris is from Latin ex lībrīs “out of the books (of), from the books (of)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex libris¹

C19: from Latin, literally: from the books (of)

Example Sentences

There has grown up, too, quite a literature about the making of the book beautiful—whereof the Ex-Libris Series alone is witness.

From Project Gutenberg

Our copy is in the original full calf gold stamped binding, with the ex libris of James Maidment.

From Project Gutenberg

The larger is bound in as a frontispiece; the smaller (the ex-libris) is inserted at the beginning.

From Project Gutenberg

On the fly-leaf, in very faded ink, is written 'Ex libris Guliolmi Whyte.'

From Project Gutenberg

A copy of this edition bears the inscription, Ex libris Gul: Congreve.

From Project Gutenberg