Roxburgh binding. Plain leather backed book, lettering near the top enclosed in gold lines, gilt top, and cloth or paper sides.
Rub-off, or Rubbing. A copy of the back of a book showing exact lettering. Made by placing a sheet of thin strong paper on the back and rubbing it with a piece of heel-ball until all lettering is fully outlined.
Run-up. The back of a book with a fillet from head to tail not mitred at the bands is said to be run-up.
Running title. Short title of a book or chapter appearing at the head of the page throughout the book or chapter.
Saddle stitching. A machine process which either sews or staples pamphlets of one signature.
Sawing-in. Sawing the back of a book to make grooves in which the bands will rest when the book is sewed.
Section. See Signature.
Semé. See Powder.
Set-off. See Off-set.
Setting the headband. Adjusting the leather so that it covers the headband with a kind of cap.