The spelling of "deckle edge" can be a bit confusing because of its unconventional pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈdɛkəl ɛdʒ/, which shows that the stress is on the first syllable and the second syllable has the "uh" sound. The "ckle" in the first syllable is pronounced like "kull" rather than "call." As for the meaning, a deckle edge refers to the rough, untrimmed edge of a piece of paper or other material.
The term "deckle edge" refers to the rough, untrimmed edge of a piece of paper or a book. It is characterized by its irregular and slightly feathered appearance, typically created during the paper manufacturing or bookbinding process. The deckle edge is the natural, fibrous edge that remains after the paper pulp is poured onto the papermaking machine's wire mesh screen, or after the individual sheets are separated from large paper rolls.
This type of edge is often seen in handmade or specialty papers, adding a touch of rustic or vintage charm to the finished product. The deckle edge can also be intentionally applied to machine-made paper to create a similar effect. It provides a visual contrast to the smooth, clean-cut edges typically found in everyday printed materials.
In the case of books, the deckle edge is created by binding the pages without trimming them down to a uniform size. This method is used to replicate the appearance of antique or traditional books. The deckle edge may also serve a practical purpose in books, as it helps prevent the pages from sticking together, making it easier to flip through them.
Overall, the deckle edge represents a distinctive aesthetic feature often associated with craftsmanship, artistic expression, or nostalgic design.
The word "deckle edge" comes from the Old French word "descharnier", which means "to unjoint". It later evolved into the Middle English word "dekel" or "dekil", which referred to the thin strip of paper or parchment that was left untrimmed or ragged after being separated from the mold in papermaking. Over time, "dekil" transformed into "deckle", and "edge" was added to describe the untrimmed edge of the paper. The term "deckle edge" is still used today to describe the rough or feathered edge of a sheet of paper that is intentionally left untrimmed for aesthetic purposes.