The word "precancel" refers to a postage stamp that has been cancelled with an ink marking before it is used. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /priˈkænsəl/, with primary stress on the second syllable and secondary stress on the first. The "pre-" prefix indicates that the cancelling was done before the stamp was used, while the "-cancel" suffix indicates the act of marking the stamp to prevent reuse. Precancels are often used by bulk mailers or businesses for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The term "precancel" refers to a practice of marking postage stamps or postal stationery before they are affixed to a letter or mailing item to indicate that the postage has been pre-paid. This process involves applying a special cancellation mark on the stamp or stationery, usually in the form of an overprint or inked design.
The purpose of precanceling is to streamline the mailing process and eliminate the need for individual stamp cancellation at the post office. This practice is often employed for bulk mailings, such as advertisements, business communications, or election mailings, where large quantities of mail need to be processed efficiently.
Precanceling typically involves the use of specially designed rubber stamps or printing plates that feature the desired overprint or design. These cancellation marks may include the name of the post office, a specific code or initials, or even an advertisement for a local business or organization.
Precanceled stamps or stationery can be recognized by the presence of the cancellation mark before the item is used. Once affixed to a letter or mailing, the precanceled stamp is typically invalidated by additional cancellation marks applied by the postal service to prevent reuse.
Overall, precanceling plays a significant role in expediting mail processing, reducing costs, and ensuring efficient delivery within the postal system.
The word "precancel" is a combination of two words: "pre" and "cancel".
The prefix "pre-" comes from the Latin word "prae", meaning "before" or "in advance". It is commonly used in English to indicate something that comes before or ahead of time.
The word "cancel" has its roots in the Latin word "cancellare", which means "to make cross lines" or "to annul". In the context of postal services, "cancel" refers to the act of marking a stamp or envelope to prevent its reuse.
Therefore, when combined, "precancel" refers to the act of canceling a postage stamp before it is used to send mail, often done by applying a special cancellation mark or device at the time of purchase or printing.