demy

A student receives a demy scholarship at Magdalen College.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A size of paper: "demy" refers to a specific standard size of paper used in printing and writing. In printing, it measures 17.5 x 22.5 inches; in writing, it measures 15.5 x 20 inches.
   • A scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford: "demy" also denotes a student who receives a scholarship or foundation grant at Magdalen College, University of Oxford.

Usage Examples

• Paper size:
  • The printer required demy paper for the new book. (A specific paper dimension for printing.)
  • She ordered a ream of demy for her correspondence. (Writing paper of 15.5 x 20 inches.)
• Scholar:
  • He was elected a demy at Magdalen College in 2023. (A scholarship recipient at that Oxford college.)
  • The demy received a stipend to support his studies. (The student on a foundation grant.)

Advanced Usage

• "demy folio": a book or page size formed by folding a sheet of demy paper once, producing a page roughly 11.25 x 17.5 inches.
  • The atlas was printed in demy folio format. (Large, double-page size.)
• "demy octavo": a book size from a demy sheet folded into eight leaves, about 5.5 x 8.75 inches.
  • The novel was published in demy octavo. (A common trade paperback size.)

Variants and Related Words

• Demy-size (adj): describing something that conforms to demy paper dimensions.
  • The printer offers demy-size sheets for specialty jobs. (Paper cut to demy measurements.)

Synonyms

• Paper size: (a general term for mid-sized paper), (a different standard size).
• Scholar: (a senior academic at a college), (a student receiving financial aid).

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms are associated with "demy.")