tête-bêche

American  

[tet-besh] / tɛtˈbɛʃ /

adjective

Philately.

1. of or relating to a pair of stamps that have been printed with one stamp inverted.

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tête-bêche British  

/ tɛtˈbɛʃ /

adjective

1. philately (of an unseparated pair of stamps) printed so that one is inverted in relation to the other

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Etymology

Origin of tête-bêche

1880–85; < French, equivalent to tête head + bêche, reduced from béchevet placed with the head of one against the foot of the other

Example Sentences

Now the tête-bêche is having one of its resurgences, with two separate publishers announcing books in the format – and again, they are in the speculative fiction market.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2011

Obverse Books' 'Team Up' of Paul Magrs and George Mann Like wedges, blue eyeshadow and harem pants, the tête-bêche is making one of its periodic returns to favour.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2011

American publisher Ace turned out hundreds of science , western and thriller novels in the tête-bêche format, which are highly collectible today.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2011

But you won't see it on the catwalks, because tête-bêche is one of the quirkier paperback fashions that has a resurgence every couple of decades.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2011

It's an odd little confection, the tête-bêche, but it's oddly pleasing.

From The Guardian • Jul. 28, 2011