MANICULE Meaning and
Definition
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Manicule refers to a typographic symbol in the shape of a pointing hand, specifically a closed fist with the index finger extended. Also known as a printer's fist, a bishop's fist, or a printer's mark, the manicule originated in the medieval and Renaissance periods as a means of drawing attention and providing emphasis to important or noteworthy passages in handwritten documents and early printed books.
The manicule symbol typically appears within the margins of texts, pointing towards particular lines of interest, and can vary in style and complexity depending on the artistic preferences of the author or printer. It serves as a visual aid, directing readers to key points, while also providing a decorative element to the overall layout of the page.
Although its popularity diminished with the rise of the printing press and the standardization of typographic marks, the manicule still occasionally finds use today in fields such as design, publishing, and academia. In contemporary contexts, it may be employed to annotate or highlight text in digital documents, ebooks, or webpages.
The manicule symbol has enduring historical significance, serving as a reminder of the evolving techniques and practices of communication and information dissemination throughout human history. Furthermore, its presence underscores the enduring need to capture the reader's attention and guide their focus in the printed word.
Etymology of MANICULE
The word "manicule" comes from the Latin term "maniculum", which means "little hand". It is derived from the Latin word "manus", meaning "hand". In medieval times, scribes used a pointing hand symbol (☞) as a punctuation mark to draw attention to important or noteworthy sections of text. This symbol was called a "manicule" due to its resemblance to a little hand. Over time, the term "manicule" has come to refer to both the symbol and the pointing hand itself.
