double demy
RareTechnical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A specific, large paper size, historically used in printing and bookbinding.
A standard measurement for paper and books, primarily used in the British printing trade; occasionally refers to a book printed on paper of this size.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Terminology is almost exclusively confined to the history of printing, bibliographic description, and antiquarian book trade. It denotes a specific physical dimension, not a quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is predominantly British. American printing and paper industry historically used different naming conventions (like 'Elephant', 'Folio').
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of traditional printing and fine books. In the US, it is largely unknown outside specialist antiquarian contexts.
Frequency
Very rare in general use; low frequency even in specialist UK contexts; virtually non-existent in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[book/edition] in double demyprinted on double demy [paper]a double demy [size/volume]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, bibliographic, or book history scholarship.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in antiquarian book trade, printing history, and library cataloguing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The auction featured a double demy folio of Audubon's birds.
- It was printed on double demy paper.
American English
- The library's rare book collection includes a double demy volume.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The antique book was an impressive size because it was a double demy.
- Specialist printers sometimes still work with traditional sizes like double demy.
- The catalogue description noted the volume was 'in double demy', indicating its substantial physical format and likely higher original cost.
- Bibliographers can often date an edition by the watermark in its double demy paper.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOUBLE-sized DEMY: a 'demy' was a paper size, so a 'double demy' is twice as big.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS IMPORTANCE (a larger book format can imply greater significance or luxury).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'double' and 'demy' separately; it is a fixed compound noun for a paper size. Do not confuse with 'двойной' + a non-existent term.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective for things other than paper/books (e.g., 'a double demy room').
- Capitalising the term (it is not a proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the term 'double demy'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historical paper sizes vary, but traditionally, 'double demy' was approximately 35 x 22.5 inches (889 x 572 mm).
Not commonly. It is an archaic size. Some specialist art paper or handmade paper suppliers may offer it or similar large formats on request.
Yes, 'demy' (or 'demy') is an older paper size, roughly half of 'double demy'. 'Double demy' is literally twice the size of a 'demy'.
They almost certainly would not, unless they were specializing in the history of books, printing, or library sciences. It is a highly specialised term.