Definition

1. Noun:
   • A daily written record of events in a police station: A "blotter" is a book or log where details of daily occurrences, such as arrests or incidents, are officially recorded by police.
   • A sheet of absorbent paper used to dry ink: A "blotter" is a piece of thick, absorbent paper, often kept on a desk, used to soak up excess ink after writing with a pen.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Police Record):
  • The sergeant entered the suspect's name into the station blotter.
  • Reporters often check the police blotter for news of local incidents.
• Noun (Absorbent Paper):
  • He used a blotter to prevent the wet ink from smudging the letter.
  • Old-fashioned desks often had a leather-bound blotter on the writing surface.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on the blotter": To have one's name or an incident recorded in the police log.
  • His arrest for disorderly conduct is on the blotter from last night.

Variants and Related Words

• Blot (verb): To dry or soak up liquid, especially ink; to stain or mar a surface.
  • She blotted the signature carefully.
• Blotting paper (noun phrase): Another term for the absorbent paper used as a blotter.
  • The calligrapher always keeps blotting paper handy.

Synonyms

• For police record: Log, ledger, journal, register, day book.
• For absorbent paper: Absorbent pad, ink absorber, drying sheet.

Related Phrases

• Police blotter: A common compound term specifically referring to the law enforcement log.
  • The small-town police blotter listed a lost dog and a noisy party.
• Desk blotter: A compound term for the pad of absorbent paper, often with a decorative cover, used on a desk.
  • The antique desk came with a green felt desk blotter.

Related Idioms

• A blot on one's record: A stain or mark on one's reputation. (Note: This idiom uses "blot," not the noun "blotter," but is semantically related).
  • The failed project was a blot on his otherwise stellar career.

Noun

1. the daily written record of events (as arrests) in a police station
2. absorbent paper used to dry ink