composing stick

noun

, Printing.

1. a portable, adjustable, usually metal tray that the compositor holds in one hand while placing in it type gathered with the other hand.

composing stick

noun

1. printing a metal holder of adjustable width in which a compositor sets a line of type at a time by hand; now rarely used

Word History and Origins

Origin of composing stick¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Now the attacks come when she becomes tired holding her composing stick; at the same time she became very much flurried, so much so that she had to stop work because she was so confused.

From Project Gutenberg

Keimer asked Benjamin a few questions, put a composing stick in his hands to test his competency, and declared that he would employ him soon though he had just then nothing for him to do.

From Project Gutenberg

Palmer, who had much of the honest Englishman about him, equally surprised and pleased to see Ben thus chastise the pride and ignorance of his foreman, put a stop to the conversation by placing a composing stick in the hands of Ben, while the journeymen gathering around, marvelled hugely to see the young North American take a composing stick in his hand!

From Project Gutenberg

As to Keimer, suspecting from his youthful appearance, that Ben could hardly understand any thing of the printing art, he slyly put a composing stick into his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

To the frontier editor, a pistol was as crucial as a composing stick.

From Time Magazine Archive