foolscap

American  

[foolz-kap] / ˈfulzˌkæp /

noun

1. a type of inexpensive writing paper, especially legal-size, lined, yellow sheets, bound in tablet form.

2. Chiefly British. a size of drawing or printing paper, 13.5 × 17 inches (34 × 43 centimeters). cap., fcp.

3. Also called foolscap octavo.  a size of book, about 4.25 × 6.75 inches (11 × 17 centimeters), untrimmed.

4. Also called foolscap quarto.  Chiefly British. a size of book, about 6.75 × 8.5 inches (17 × 22 centimeters) untrimmed.

5. fool's cap.

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foolscap British  

/ ˈfuːlzˌkæp /

noun

1. a size of writing or printing paper, 13 1/ 2 by 17 inches or 13 1/ 4 by 16 1/ 2 inches

2. a book size, 4 1/ 4 by 6 3/ 4 inches ( foolscap octavo ) or (chiefly Brit) 6 3/ 4 by 8 1/ 2 inches ( foolscap quarto )

3. a variant spelling of fool's cap

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Etymology

Origin of foolscap

First recorded in 1690–1700; so called from the watermark of a fool's cap formerly used on such paper