foolscap etymology

Etymology

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

• "fool" (noun): meaning "a jester or court entertainer"
• "cap" (noun): meaning "a headdress"

Meaning and Origin

In medieval England, fools or jesters wore a distinctive type of cap with a curled or turned-up brim. This cap became known as a "foolscap."

Over time, the term "foolscap" came to be associated with any paper that was used for printing or writing that had a similar shape to a foolscap. This type of paper typically had a watermark or embossed design featuring a jester's cap.

Foolscap paper was originally of a high quality, as it was used for important documents such as legal contracts and official records. However, in the 19th century, lower-quality paper began to be produced and sold under the name "foolscap."

Usage

Today, foolscap refers to a specific size of paper that is typically used for official documents and legal contracts. The dimensions of foolscap paper vary slightly depending on the country, but it is generally around 8.5 inches wide and 13 inches long (21.6 cm x 33.0 cm).

Foolscap paper is still occasionally used for certain types of documents, but it has largely been replaced by standard letter-sized paper (8.5 inches x 11 inches).

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