‖ ex-libris
(ɛks ˈlaɪbrɪs)
Used also as pl.
[f. L. ex librīs, lit. ‘out of the books’, i.e. ‘from the library’ (of the person whose name follows); mod. Lat. phrase often used in inscriptions indicating the ownership of books.]
An inscription, label, or stamp indicating the owner of a book; esp. a label or stamp of this kind artistically designed, bearing, e.g. the person's arms or crest, or some emblematic device; a book-plate or the like.
| 1880 Warren Book-plates i. 1 In England we call such a ticket as this, William Downing's book-plate, as abroad it would be called his ex-libris. Ibid. xii. 124 In Germany, ex-libris have undoubtedly existed for more than three centuries and a half. 1884 N. & Q. 21 June 486/1 A curious ex-libris..stamped on the paper lining the cover of the book, front and back. |
| attrib. 1891 (title), The Journal of the Ex-Libris Society. |