foolscap

[ foolz-kap ]

/ ˈfulzˌkæp /

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noun

a type of inexpensive writing paper, especially legal-size, lined, yellow sheets, bound in tablet form.

Chiefly British. a size of drawing or printing paper, 13.5 × 17 inches (34 × 43 centimeters). Abbreviations: cap., fcp.

Also called foolscap octavo. a size of book, about 4.25 × 6.75 inches (11 × 17 centimeters), untrimmed.

Also called foolscap quarto. Chiefly British. a size of book, about 6.75 × 8.5 inches (17 × 22 centimeters) untrimmed.

fool's cap (def. 1).

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Origin of foolscap

First recorded in 1690–1700; so called from the watermark of a fool's cap formerly used on such paper

Words nearby foolscap

foolhardy, fool hen, foolish, foolishness, foolproof, foolscap, fool's errand, fool's gold, fool's mate, fool's paradise, fool's-parsley

Other definitions for foolscap (2 of 2)

fool's cap

noun

a traditional jester's cap or hood, often multicolored and usually having several drooping peaks from which bells are hung.

dunce cap.

Origin of fool's cap

First recorded in 1625–35

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use foolscap in a sentence

Put away that great pile of foolscap and talk to me; Im as full of talk as an egg is full of meat.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
Opening the envelope, he took out the piece of foolscap, on which was neither date nor name of place.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
As he did so a folded sheet of foolscap, which had been lodged between the drawer and the side of the desk, fell to the floor.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
I remember writing out the message in a clear, bold hand, and addressing the foolscap envelope in the same way.
Reminiscences of Charles Bradlaugh|George W. Foote

We visited Theodore, and through him received from Mr. S. about three hundred Turkish pounds in return for foolscap-paper cheques.
Eastern Nights - and Flights|Alan Bott

British Dictionary definitions for foolscap (1 of 2)

foolscap

/ (ˈfuːlzˌkæp) /

noun

mainly British a size of writing or printing paper, 13 1/2 by 17 inches or 13 1/4 by 16 1/2 inches

a book size, 4 1/4 by 6 3/4 inches (foolscap octavo) or (chiefly Brit) 6 3/4 by 8 1/2 inches (foolscap quarto)

a variant spelling of fool's cap

Word Origin for foolscap

C17: see fool 1, cap; so called from the watermark formerly used on this kind of paper

British Dictionary definitions for foolscap (2 of 2)

fool's cap

noun

a hood or cap with bells or tassels, worn by court jesters

a dunce's cap

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012