Definition

1. Noun:
   • A publisher's emblem or device printed in a book: A distinctive symbol, logo, or imprint used by a publisher, typically placed on the title page or at the end of a book.
   • A statement at the end of a book giving publishing details: In historical or bibliographic contexts, a note at the end of a book listing details about its production, such as the printer, place, and date.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The book's title page featured an elegant colophon of the publishing house.
  • Bibliophiles often examine the colophon to identify the printer of an early printed book.

Advanced Usage

• "From title-page to colophon": An idiom meaning from the very beginning to the very end of a book; completely.
  • He read the ancient manuscript from title-page to colophon.

Variants and Related Words

• Colophonic (adj): Pertaining to a colophon.
  • The colophonic information was crucial for dating the edition.

Synonyms

• Publisher's imprint: A publisher's name, logo, or other identifying mark.
• Device: A design or emblem used as an identifying mark.

Related Phrases

• Printer's colophon: Specifically refers to the printer's identifying mark or note, as distinct from a publisher's.
  • The printer's colophon indicated the book was produced in 1492.

Related Idioms

• From title-page to colophon: Covering the entire contents of a book; thoroughly.
  • She studied the legal treatise from title-page to colophon.

Noun

1. a publisher's emblem printed in a book (usually on the title page)