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Catch-word

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The first word on any page of a book or manuscript which is printed or written at the foot of the preceding page. In the early days of printing the catch-word was generally used, but for the last two hundred years the practice has been gradually dying out. Its purpose was, among other things, to enable the reader to avoid an awkward pause when turning over a leaf. The first book so printed was a Tacĭtus, by John de Spira, 1469.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Catch as Catch can
Catch Me at It!
Catch the Speaker’s Eye (To)
Catch Out (To)
Catch your Hare (First)
Catch-Club
Catehpenny
Catchpole
Catch Weights
Catch-word
Catch-word
Catch-word
Catechumen [katy-kumen]
Cater-cousin
Caterpillars
Caterwauling
Catgut
Catgut Scraper (A)
Cathari
Catharine
Catharine (Knights of St)