stationery
(ˈsteɪʃənərɪ)
Also 8–9 -ary.
[f. stationer1 + -y.
The word seems to have been evolved from or suggested by combinations like stationary ware, where the first word was originally adj. (see stationary a. 6), but was naturally taken as a n. used attributively.]
1. The articles sold by a stationer; writing materials, writing-table appurtenances, etc. (see quot. 1887). (Not in Johnson or in Todd 1818.)
| 1727 Bailey vol. II, Stationary, Stationers Wares. 1809 Parl. Paper (title), An Estimate of the Charge for Printing, Stationary etc...for Dublin Castle. 1828–32 Webster. 1837 Hallam Lit. Europe I. i. iii. §145 They sold parchment and other materials of writing, which with us have retained the name of stationery. 1857 Dickens Dorrit ii. viii, To make a curious calculation of the amount of stationery consumed in it [i.e. the Circumlocution Office]. 1880 Print. Trades Jrnl. xxx. 35 A special exhibition of Printing Machinery, Paper, and Stationery is to be held. 1887 Encycl. Brit. XXII. 460/2 Under the name of stationery are embraced all writing materials and implements, together with the numerous appliances of the desk and of mercantile and commercial offices. In addition to these, the term fancy stationery covers a miscellaneous assemblage of leather and other goods, such as pocket books, purses, bags, card-cases [etc.]. 1894 J. Russell Remin. Yarrow vi. 125 A rush was generally made to the desk where the stationery was kept. |
2. attrib. as in stationery business, stationery trade, stationery ware; stationery literature, ballads, chap-books, etc., hawked about the streets; Stationery Office, an office in London through which government offices are supplied with stationery, and which issues the reports, etc. published by the government.
| 1679–88 Moneys Secr. Serv. Chas. II & Jas. II (Camden) 153 To Marg{supt} Royston..in satisfacc'on of so much money due to her for stationery wares supplied by her husband to the Earle of Middleton,..133 11 0. 1689 Order in Council 24 Oct. in Lond. Gaz. No. 2500/1 Stationary Ware. 1716 Lond. Gaz. No. 5438/3 Proposals..for furnishing the Custom-House with Stationary Wares. 1798 Rep. Comm. Ho. Comm. (1803) XIII. 427 Stationary Office. This Office was established in 1786..with a view to the saving of Expenses,..and to guard against Abuses in the application of the Stationary necessary for carrying on the business of Government. 1851 Mayhew Lond. Labour I. 205 The street trade in stationery literature. 1859 Stationers' Hand-bk. 1 The Stationery trade. Ibid. 2 A stationery business. |