Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Paper making) A frame used to form paper pulp into sheets: A "deckle" is a removable wooden frame or border placed on the mold in hand papermaking. It controls the size and creates the characteristic rough, feathered edge of the paper sheet.
   • The rough edge left by a deckle on handmade paper or produced artificially on machine-made paper: This meaning refers to the untrimmed, often uneven border of a sheet of paper, which is a distinctive feature of high-quality paper, especially that made by hand.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Frame):
  • The artisan placed the deckle onto the mold before dipping it into the vat of pulp.
  • A traditional papermaking kit includes a mold and a deckle.
• Noun (Edge):
  • This fine stationery features a beautiful, natural deckle on all four sides.
  • The book's pages have a simulated deckle edge to give them an antique appearance.

Advanced Usage

• "Deckle edge": This is the most common compound term, specifically referring to the uncut, feathered border of the paper.
  • Collectors value first editions with the original deckle edges intact.
• "Deckled" (Adjective): Describes paper that has a deckle edge.
  • The invitation was printed on heavy, deckled paper.

Variants and Related Words

• Deckle-edged (adj): Having a deckle edge.
  • a deckle-edged book
• Deckle strap (n): In machine papermaking, a continuous belt that performs a similar function to a hand deckle, controlling the width of the paper web.

Synonyms

• Frame (for the papermaking tool).
• Untrimmed edge or feathered edge (for the paper's border).

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Mold and deckle: The classic two-part tool for hand papermaking.
• Watermark: Another distinctive feature often created during the papermaking process, different from a deckle edge.

Noun

1. (paper making) a frame used to form paper pulp into sheets
2. rough edge left by a deckle on handmade paper or produced artificially on machine-made paper