TYPECASE Meaning and
Definition
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A typecase refers to a specialized storage container or frame used in the printing industry for organizing and storing individual pieces of type. Typically made of wood or metal, it consists of numerous small compartments, each designed to hold a specific type character. These compartments are arranged in a grid-like fashion, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols occupying separate sections for easy identification and access.
Typecases are an essential tool for letterpress printing, a traditional method where ink is applied to separate movable type pieces and pressed onto paper. Printers would rely on typecases to efficiently sort and locate the necessary characters when composing text manually. The arrangement of characters within a typecase was based on their frequency of use, with more commonly used letters placed in easily accessible compartments.
In addition to aiding in organization and storage, typecases also help preserve the integrity of the individual type pieces by preventing damage or deformation. By keeping the characters neatly and securely in place, typecases extend the lifespan of the type and facilitate swift retrieval and reuse.
While typecases are relatively less prevalent in modern printing techniques that mainly rely on digital fonts, they remain an important part of typographic history. They showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail required in the traditional printing process and provide a tangible link to the centuries-long evolution of typography.
Common Misspellings for TYPECASE
- rypecase
- fypecase
- gypecase
- yypecase
- 6ypecase
- 5ypecase
- ttpecase
- tgpecase
- thpecase
- tupecase
- t7pecase
- t6pecase
- tyoecase
- tylecase
- ty0ecase
- typwcase
- typscase
- typdcase
- typrcase
- typ4case
Etymology of TYPECASE
The word "typecase" originated from the combination of two words: "type" and "case".
The term "type" has an etymology dating back to the 15th century, derived from the Latin word "typus" meaning "figure, image, or form". It initially referred to a symbol or impression made in wax, clay, or metal. The word "type" evolved to specifically represent a raised block used in printing, bearing an individual letter, number, or character.
The term "case" in this context comes from the Old French word "casse", meaning "box" or "container". It was used to describe a receptacle or compartment for holding something. In the context of printing, the "case" represents the compartmentalized wooden or metal tray in which printers stored individual type characters.
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