In order to render the description of a writing perfectly clear, a system of terminology is adopted which is invariable. That is, the same terms are always employed in indicating the same parts of a letter. These are simple, and for the most part self-explanatory, so that no effort is required to commit them to memory.
Every part of a letter has a distinctive name, so that it would be possible to reproduce a script character very closely by a verbal description.
The following are the terms used in describing a letter:—
Letter means the whole of any script character, capital or small. For the sake of brevity in notes and reports capital is written Cp.; small, Sm.
Arc.—An arc is the curve formed inside the top loop or curve, as in f, m, h, o. In o, the inside top half of the letter is the arc; the inside bottom half is the hook.
Buckle.—The buckle is the separate stroke added to such letters as k, f, and capitals A, F, H.
Beard.—The beard is the preliminary stroke that often appears in capital letters.
Body.—The body of a letter is that portion of it which rests on the line and could be contained in a small circle. For example, in a small d the body consists of the circle and the final upward curve or toe. In a small g the body is the circle minus the tail.
Eye is the small circle formed by the continuation of a stroke as in the shoulder r.
Finals.—A final is the finishing stroke not carried beyond the shank in capitals, and in a few smalls like y, g, z.