vellum

[ vel-uhm ]

noun

1. calfskin, lambskin, kidskin, etc., treated for use as a writing surface.
2. a manuscript or the like on vellum.
3. a texture of paper or cloth resembling vellum.

adjective

1. made of or resembling vellum.
2. bound in vellum.

vellum

/ ˈvɛləm /

noun

1. a fine parchment prepared from the skin of a calf, kid, or lamb
2. a work printed or written on vellum
3. a creamy coloured heavy paper resembling vellum

adjective

1. made of or resembling vellum
2. (of a book) bound in vellum

Other Words From

• half-vellum noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vellum¹

1400–50; late Middle English velum, velim < Middle French ve ( e ) lin of a calf. See veal, -in ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vellum¹

C15: from Old French velin, from velin of a calf, from veel veal

Example Sentences

It’s no longer write something that stands out, use a beautiful design printed on vellum, use extraordinary prose to try to dress up your accomplishments, forget all that.

From MIT Technology Review

This day my brave vellum covers to keep pictures in, come in, which pleases me very much.

From Project Gutenberg

Only one other perfect copy on vellum of this edition is known to exist.

From Project Gutenberg

Handsomely bound in white parchment vellum, stamped in silver.

From Project Gutenberg

What invisible heads have ached, and hands become weary, over those vellum volumes, with their bright initial letters!

From Project Gutenberg

A similar book, but apparently much less elaborate, a vellum Aristotle, recently fetched 800 at the Ashburnham sale.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bark
• coating
• crust
• fur
• husk
• jacket
• membrane
• rind
• sheath
• surface