noctograph

[ nok-tuh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. a frame used to aid the blind in writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of noctograph¹

First recorded in 1860–65; noct- + -o- + -graph

Example Sentences

A person using the noctograph wrote with a sort of stylus of ivory, agate, or some other hard substance upon the blackened paper, which conveyed the impression to the white paper underneath.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a contrivance called "the noctograph," meant for the use of the blind.

From Project Gutenberg

Of his noctograph Prescott made constant use.

From Project Gutenberg

On October 6, 1829, after three months devoted to reviewing his notes for the opening chapter, he took his noctograph and scrawled the initial sentence.

From Project Gutenberg

Prescott, however, had his own opinion on the subject, and, with the single exception which has just been cited, he used his noctograph for composition down to the very end, dictating only his correspondence to his secretary.

From Project Gutenberg