half title

American  

[haf tahyt-l] / ˈhæf ˌtaɪt l /

noun

1. Also called bastard title.  the first printed page of certain books, appearing after the end papers and before the title page and containing only the title of the book.

2. the title of any subdivision of a book when printed on a full page by itself.

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half-title British  

noun

1. the short title of a book as printed on the right-hand page preceding the title page

2. a title on a separate page preceding a section of a book

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Etymology

Origin of half title

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The schedule for Potomac is still being decided, based on the winner of the second half title.

From Washington Post • Sep. 1, 2011

Small quarto, various bindings, uncut; half title, portrait, title, pp.

From The Bibliography of Walt Whitman by Shay, Frank

Not only do these grosser defects reduce the value, but it sometimes happens that the mere absence of a half title, or advertising leaves, or even the flyleaves, will make a considerable difference.

From The Building of a Book A Series of Practical Articles Written by Experts in the Various Departments of Book Making and Distributing by Hitchcock, Frederick H.

Abbreviated, as the half title in a page preceding the full title page of a book.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah