double crown
C1-C2Formal, Technical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A large sheet size of paper, measuring 30 by 20 inches (approximately 762 by 508 mm).
A term used historically in the British paper industry to denote a specific, standardized paper size; also used idiomatically or in titles to suggest dominance, victory, or a second major achievement in fields like boxing or monarchy (e.g., holding two crowns).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in printing/paper, but its secondary, metaphorical use is rare and often capitalized ('Double Crown'). Its meaning is highly context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a paper size, the term is predominantly British and historical. In modern American usage, it is largely archaic and unknown outside specialized printing/publishing contexts. The metaphorical 'double crown' is understood in both dialects but is rare.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries historical/industrial connotations related to traditional printing. In both dialects, the metaphorical use connotes supreme or repeated achievement.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects. Its use is almost entirely restricted to historical texts, specialized printing discussions, or stylized metaphorical language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to print on] + double crown[a sheet/piece] + of double crown[measure/size] + double crownVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to win the double crown (rare, metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Archaic; might appear in historical business records of printers or publishers.
Academic
Found in historical studies of printing, paper technology, or standardisation.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in historical descriptions of British paper sizes and printing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The antique double crown press was still in the museum.
- We need double crown sheets for this job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old poster was printed on double crown paper.
- In boxing history, few have held the double crown of undisputed champion in two weight classes.
- The printer's ledger from 1890 listed orders for 500 sheets of double crown.
- The exhibition featured a rare double crown proof of the famous political cartoon.
- Achieving the double crown of both literary and commercial success is a rare feat.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a king wearing TWO crowns (double crown) on a giant piece of paper (30x20 inches).
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A CROWN (for the metaphorical use); STANDARDISATION IS HIERARCHY (for the paper size system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'двойная корона' for the paper size, as it is meaningless. Use descriptive terms like 'большой формат бумаги (30x20 дюймов)'. For the metaphorical sense, 'двойная корона' is possible but very stylized.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any large paper size indiscriminately.
- Using it in modern contexts without explanation.
- Confusing it with 'double crown' as a type of binding or a hairstyle.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, non-metaphorical meaning of 'double crown'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic technical term from the British paper industry, largely replaced by metric ISO (A-series) or other modern size names.
Yes, but this is a rare and stylised metaphorical use, often seen in sports journalism or historical writing about monarchies. It is not a standard idiom like 'double win'.
In the traditional British system, it is 30 inches by 20 inches (approximately 762 mm by 508 mm).
Yes. 'Crown' is a smaller base size (15x20 inches). 'Double crown' is twice the size of a crown sheet. 'Crown folio' refers to a sheet of crown size folded once to make two leaves.