Papering-up. Covering the leaves of a book, especially if it has gilded edges, to protect it during further processes.
Parchment. A material similar to vellum, but not so thick.
Paring. Process of thinning the edges of leather with a sharp knife, so that there will not be a rough edge when it is on the book. Sometimes called skiving.
Pastewash. Paste diluted with water.
Pasting-down. Operation of pasting end papers to the boards.
Payne, Roger. Style of decoration distinguished by gold-tooled corner pieces and by the grace and freedom of ornamentation.
Pebble-grained. Covering material grained in an irregular manner.
Pegamoid. An imitation leather made in England.
Perforating machine. A machine which punches holes in sections so that they can be more easily overcast.
Petits fers. Small hand tools used in finishing, as distinguished from the stamps or blocks used in a press.