ex libris
A small ex libris is pasted inside the front cover of the leather-bound book.
Noun: A printed or decorative label pasted inside the front cover of a book to identify its owner. The term is Latin for "from the books (or library) of."
The term "ex libris" is used to refer specifically to a bookplate, which is a personalized label indicating ownership. It is a formal and traditional term often associated with book collectors and libraries. - It is typically used as a noun phrase: an ex libris. - It is often followed by the owner's name in the genitive case (e.g., ex libris John Smith).
- The rare first edition contained a beautiful, hand-colored ex libris from a 19th-century duke.
- She designed a custom ex libris featuring an owl and her initials to place in all her books.
- The auction catalog noted that the volume bore the ex libris of the famous poet.
- The phrase "ex libris" can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe something related to such a label.
- The collection was notable for its variety of ex libris designs.
- Bookplate: The more common, direct English synonym for "ex libris." While "ex libris" is the traditional term, "bookplate" is used in everyday modern English.
- He collects antique bookplates from famous authors.
- Bookplate, ownership label, proprietor's label.
"Ex libris" is an example of a loan phrase from Latin that has been fully adopted into English, particularly in bibliophilic contexts. It is treated as a singular noun, with the plural form being "ex libris" (unchanged) or, less commonly, "ex librisses."
A small ex libris is pasted inside the front cover of the leather-bound book.
- a label identifying the owner of a book in which it is pasted