Spancelling is a rare word that refers to tying the legs of an animal or person together. It is spelled with two "l's" in the middle and pronounced /ˈspænsəlɪŋ/. The double "l" in the middle indicates that the stress is on the first syllable, as indicated by the short vowel sound "a" represented by the symbol /æ/. The word may be derived from the Middle English word "spanne", meaning to tie, and the Old French word "celer", meaning to conceal or bind.
Spancelling is a term used in the field of printing that refers to a specific technique designed to improve the alignment and appearance of text or images on a printed page. The process involves adding additional spacing, typically in the form of a thin strip of lead, between lines or characters of type. This is done to create a more even, uniform appearance when the ink is transferred to the paper during the printing process.
Spancelling is often used when working with small or delicate typefaces that have a tendency to bleed or smudge due to their intricate design. By inserting the spacing material, which is known as a spancell, between lines or characters, the printer can minimize any blending or overlap, resulting in a crisp and clean printed image.
The spancell itself is usually made of lead or a similar dense material that can be easily inserted between the lines of type before the printing plate is set. It is important to carefully calculate and adjust the spacing based on the specific requirements of the typeface and printing technique being used to ensure accurate alignment and maintain legibility.
Overall, spancelling is a valuable technique in the field of printing, allowing for enhanced precision and visual clarity when reproducing text or images.