FOOLSCAP

foolscap, the cap, usually of conical shape, with a cockscomb running up the centre of the back, and with bells attached, worn by jesters and fools (see fool); also a conical cap worn by dunces. the name is given to a size of writing or printing paper, varying in size from 12 x 15 in. to 17 x 13-1/2 in. (see paper). the name is derived from the use of a "fool's cap" as a watermark. a german example of the watermark dating from 1479 was exhibited in the caxton exhibition (1877). the _new english dictionary_ finds no trustworthy evidence for the introduction of the watermark by a german, sir john spielmann, at his paper-mill at dartford in 1580, and states that there is no truth in the familiar story that the rump parliament substituted a fool's cap for the royal arms as a watermark on the paper used for the journals of parliament.