Search results for: P

Page layout

how the page is arranged for writing: single or double bounding lines, open or frame ruling, columns, etc.

Paleography

the study of old handwriting

Palimpsest

a manuscript that has been reused after the original text has been removed

Papal knot

a distinctive abbreviation stroke that looks a little like a figure 8

Paragraphus

a sign used to mark a new paragraph or section of the text -- e.g., gamma, tau, etc.

Paraph

a new paragraph, stanza, etc; it is a sign developed from a capital C with a vertical stroke or strokes. Scribes often used "//" as a sign to the rubricator as to where to introduce the paraph

Parchment

writing material made out of animal skin

Pastedown

parchment used on the inside covers of a codex to paste down the edges of a leather binding

Pecia

university-approved exemplars, rented by stationers

Plummet

guidelines made with lead, often red in color

Positura

critical sign which marks the end of a paragraph or section

Praecisa

describes letters with flat bases lacking feet

Pricking

making holes in the parchment to guide ruling

Protocol

the opening section of a legal document

Provenance

history of a manuscript; its origin and owners