fool's-cap

A student carefully folds a fool's-cap sheet of paper into an airplane.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of paper: "fool's-cap" refers to a size of writing paper, typically measuring 13 by 17 inches (or 13.5 by 17 inches in some standards), often used for legal documents, manuscripts, or printing.
   • A cap worn by jesters: Historically, "fool's-cap" also denotes the traditional cap with bells worn by jesters or court fools, characterized by its pointed shape and often adorned with ass's ears or a coxcomb.

Usage Examples

• Paper:

  • The legal contract was printed on fool's-cap paper to ensure it met the required dimensions. (A specific paper size used for official documents.)
  • She bought a ream of fool's-cap for her handwritten manuscript. (A standard paper size for writing.)

• Jester's cap:

  • The court jester wore a colourful fool's-cap with jingling bells. (The traditional headgear of a jester.)

Advanced Usage

• "fool's-cap" as a historical term: In office and legal contexts, "fool's-cap" was a common paper size before the widespread adoption of A4 and letter sizes. It is still used in some countries for specific documents.
  • The old ledger was filled with entries on fool's-cap paper, now yellowed with age. (Historical reference to a paper standard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Foolscap (n): an alternative spelling of "fool's-cap", especially for the paper size.
  • The printer required foolscap for the report. (The paper size, often written as one word.)

Synonyms

• Paper sizes: (a similar historical size, though not identical), (in modern contexts, close to 8.5 x 14 inches, while fool's-cap is 13 x 17 inches).
• Jester's cap: (a jester's cap or the head of a jester), (a cap associated with a jester's multicoloured costume).

Related Idioms

• "To wear a fool's-cap": an archaic idiom meaning to be made a fool of or to behave foolishly.
  • He wore a fool's-cap at the party, entertaining everyone with his silly antics. (He acted like a jester or fool.)

Additional Notes

• Etymology: The term "fool's-cap" for paper is believed to derive from the watermark that often appeared on such paper—a jester's cap or fool's head—which was used by papermakers in the 16th and 17th centuries.