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definitions

roll top

noun
  1. a flexible, sliding cover for the working area of a desk, opening by rising upward and back in quadrantal grooves and rolling up beneath the top.
  2. Also called roll-top desk, rolltop desk. a desk with such a cover.

Origin of roll top

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for roll top

Historical Examples of roll top

  • A roll-top desk in the corner and three chairs were the furniture.

    Cap'n Warren's Wards

    Joseph C. Lincoln

  • With his back to Carl, the dean was writing at a roll-top desk.

    The Trail of the Hawk

    Sinclair Lewis

  • On the roll-top of his desk he kept a letter spread out in front of him.

  • A man was seated in a swivel chair before the roll-top desk.

    Find the Woman

    Arthur Somers Roche

  • Over the roll-top desk was the only electric light that was switched on.

    A Sub and a Submarine

    Percy F. Westerman