bookmark etymology

Etymology

The word "bookmark" is derived from two Old English words:

  • Bóc: Book
  • Marc: Mark

Meaning

A bookmark is a thin, flat object, typically made of paper, plastic, or fabric, used to mark one's place in a book.

Origin

The concept of using bookmarks to mark pages in books dates back to ancient times. In the early days of bookmaking, manuscripts and scrolls were often made from expensive materials, such as parchment or vellum. To protect these valuable documents, scribes and readers would use strips of leather, cloth, or even other pages of the book to mark their place.

Over time, bookmarks evolved into more specialized objects. In the Middle Ages, monks and scholars began to decorate bookmarks with religious symbols, images of saints, or intricate designs. By the 16th century, bookmarks had become common in secular settings as well, and people began to make them from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and bone.

Today, bookmarks are still widely used, both as practical tools and as decorative items. They come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and designs, and can be found in libraries, bookstores, and gift shops around the world.

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