foolscap

WOTD - 1 April 2010    

See also fool's cap

English

Etymology

Probably from a watermark of a fool's cap.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /ˈfuːl.skæp/, /ˈfuːlz.kæp/
• (Canada) IPA: /ˈfʊl.skæp/, /ˈfoʊl.skæp/

Noun

foolscap (plural foolscaps)

1. Alternative form of fool's cap.
2. (strictly) Writing paper sheets measuring 13.25 x 16.5 inches
3. (more usually) Such a sheet folded or cut in half, thus approximately 8 x 13.25 inches.
4. Printing paper measuring 13.5 inches x 17 inches.

Derived terms

• double foolscap

Translations

fool's cap — see fool's cap

writing paper sheets measuring 13.25 x 16.5 inches

Russian: (special) фулскап (ru) m.

such a sheet folded or cut in half, thus approximately 8 x 13.25 inches

printing paper measuring 13.5 inches x 17 inches

See also

• legal
• quarto

References

• "Foolscap" in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds, 2004.

• (A paper sizes): 2A0   A0   A1   A2   A3   A4   A5   A6   A7   A8   A9   A10