half title

[ haf tahyt-l ]

noun

1. Also called bas·tard ti·tle [bas, -terd tahyt-l]. the first printed page of certain books, appearing after the end papers and before the title page and containing only the title of the book.
2. the title of any subdivision of a book when printed on a full page by itself.

half-title

noun

1. the short title of a book as printed on the right-hand page preceding the title page
2. a title on a separate page preceding a section of a book

Word History and Origins

Origin of half title¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Grifol was let go following a season in which he led High Desert to both the first and second half titles, and was named the California League Manager of the Year.

From Seattle Times

Abbreviated, as the half title in a page preceding the full title page of a book.

From Project Gutenberg

“Thanks for safeguarding all my loot,” he wrote on the half title page.

From New York Times

The schedule for Potomac is still being decided, based on the winner of the second half title.

From Washington Post

Omitted page numbers were blank pages or the location of half titles or illustrations in the original book.

From Project Gutenberg