Dictionary.com

foolscap

[ foolz-kap ]
/ ˈfulzˌkæp /

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

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

Definition 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. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for foolscap

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