Definition

Noun: A printer's devil is a young apprentice or errand-runner in a printing establishment. Historically, this term referred to a boy employed to perform various low-level tasks in a print shop, such as fetching type, cleaning presses, or running deliveries.

Usage

The term is historical and describes a specific role in the traditional printing trade. * In the 19th century, a printer's devil was essential for the daily operations of a newspaper office. * The famous author began his career as a printer's devil, learning the trade from the ground up.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who does the tedious or messy preparatory work for a project or publication.
  • As the research assistant, I was the printer's devil for the professor's latest book, compiling all the footnotes and references.

Variants and Related Words

• Devil (noun): In this context, "devil" is an old term for a junior worker or apprentice, especially one who does strenuous or messy work. It is also found in other trades (e.g., "printer's devil," "lawyer's devil").

Synonyms

• Apprentice
• Trainee
• Errand boy
• Gofer

Notes

• The term printer's devil is largely archaic, as the traditional apprenticeship system and manual typesetting in printing have become obsolete with modern technology.
• The origin of "devil" in this phrase is uncertain but may refer to the often ink-stained and sooty appearance of the young worker.

Noun

1. an apprentice in a printing establishment