Law sheep. Uncolored sheepskin. So-called because at one time it was generally used on law books. See page 65.
Lay cords. The bands when stretched on the sewing bench ready for the signatures.
Leatherette. Imitation leather, generally made of cloth.
Lettering block. A dummy book made of wood on which leather labels that are to be lettered are placed for greater ease in gilding.
Lettering box. That part of the pallet in which type is screwed up before lettering.
Limp leather. Books bound in full leather without stiff boards are said to be bound in limp leather.
Lining papers. See End papers.
Loose back. Books are loose backed when the covering material is not glued to the back, but springs out when the book is opened. Called "hollow back" in England.
Lying press. The under side of the cutting press used in backing. Sometimes called laying press.
Magazine binder. See Binder.