foolscap
noun
- size of paper using the British Imperial system of units, popular in Britain before metrication
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈfuːl.skæp/ / /ˈfuːlz.kæp/ / /ˈfʊl.skæp/
noun
Etymology: Probably from a watermark of a fool's cap.
- Writing paper sheets measuring 13.25 × 16.5 inches.
- Such a sheet folded or cut in half, thus approximately 8 × 13.25 inches.
“At twilight in the summer there is never anybody to fear—man, woman, or cat—in the chambers and at that hour the mice come out. They do not eat parchment or foolscap or red tape, but they eat the luncheon crumbs.”
- Printing paper measuring 13.5 × 17 inches.
- Alternative form of fool's cap.