chap book etymology

Etymology:

  • "Chap" (< Middle English "cheap") means "bargain" or "small sale," referring to the low cost of the book.

Meaning:

  • A small, inexpensive book or pamphlet, typically containing a short story, poem, or religious text.

Origin:

  • 16th century England: Cheaply printed books containing popular ballads, religious tracts, and other short works were sold by peddlers known as "chapmen."
  • These books were often crudely produced on low-quality paper, with simple illustrations or none at all.
  • They provided affordable entertainment and information to the masses, particularly in rural areas with limited access to larger, more expensive books.

Characteristics of Chap Books:

  • Small size (typically 24-72 pages)
  • Inexpensive price
  • Plain or simple illustrations
  • Printed on low-quality paper
  • Mass-produced and widely distributed
  • Often contained a single story, poem, or religious text
  • Sold by peddlers or at fairs and markets

chap book relate terms

  • chapman

    Etymology Old English cēapmann Proto Germanic kaupmann Proto Indo European ḱau

  • cheap

    Etymology The word cheap originates from the Old English word cēap meaning buy or

  • merchant

    Etymology The word merchant originates from the Latin word mercatus meaning trade

  • joker

    Etymology and Meaning The word joker has its origins in the German word jocker meani

  • primer

    Etymology The word primer comes from the Old French word primarius meaning first

  • volume

    Etymology The word volume is derived from the Latin word volumen meaning a roll or

  • libel

    Etymology The word libel comes from the Latin word libellus which means little book

  • buzz

    Etymology and Meaning The word buzz has several etymological roots Old English bys

  • divan

    Etymology Middle English divān Old French divan Persian dīvān room containing a

  • chap

    Etymology From Middle English chap chape From Middle Dutch kap chappe Ultimately fr

  • convention

    Etymology The word convention comes from the Latin word conventio which means a com

  • drama

    Etymology Greek dran to do to act Latin drama a play or poem with dialogue M