DAGGER.—When used as a reference mark, the Dagger (†) stands next in order after the star.—See Obelisk.

DANCES.—See Forme Dances.

DASH.— A mark (—) signifying, in general, that a sentence is broken off abruptly. For its use, see Punctuation.

DEAD HORSE.—When a Compositor or Pressman has drawn more money on account than he has actually earned, he is said to be “horsing it,” and, until he has done enough work in the next week to cover the amount overdrawn, he is understood to be working a “dead horse.”—See Account-Line.

DEDICATION.—The Dedication which generally follows the title of a book, is properly set in capitals and small capitals, displayed in long and short lines. The name of the person to whom the work is dedicated should always be emphasized, and the name of the Author also, but in a less degree.

DELE.—The second person, singular, imperative mood of the Latin verb deleo, to blot out, to expunge.—See Proof-Reading.

DEMY.—The name of a size of paper, 22½in. × 17¾in.—See Dimensions of Paper.

DESCENDING LETTERS.—The letters so called are—g, j, p, q, y, of the lower-case. In Italic founts, however, the letter f is both ascending and descending.

DEVIL.—Otherwise “Printers' Devil,” is a term applied to the boy who does the drudgery work of a printing-office. In former years it was commonly used; of late it has become almost obsolete in London, owing to the number of boys employed. On newspapers, the boy who waits on the Editor for “copy” is generally termed “the Devil.” It is more frequently employed by provincial Printers.