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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.
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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.
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
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
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