Word of the Day 28 July 2026

foot stick

A bevelled piece of furniture placed against the foot of the page, to hold the type in place.

Why this one

Letterpress named every wedge and spacer it used, because a page that is not locked up tight comes apart on the press.

In use

Slip the foot stick in before you tighten the quoins, or the bottom lines will shift on you.

Written by our editors to show how the term is used, not a recorded quotation.

Sources