CENTRE TOOLS.—Independent tools cut for the ornamentation of the centre of panels and sides.
CLASP.—The hook or catch used for fastening the boards together when the book is closed; used formerly on almost every book.
CLEARING-OUT.—Removing the waste-paper, and paring away any superfluous leather upon the inside, preparatory to pasting down the end-papers.
CLOTH.—Prepared calico, sometimes embossed with different patterns, used for cloth bindings.
COLLATING.—Examining the sheets by the signatures after the volume has been folded, |175| to ascertain if they be in correct sequence.
COMBS.—Instruments with wire teeth used in marbling.
CORNERS.—The triangular tools used in finishing backs and sides. The leather or material covering the corners of half-bound books. The metal ornaments used usually in keeping with clasps.
CROPPED.—When a book has been cut down too much it is said to be cropped.
CUT DOWN.—When a plough-knife dips downward out of the level it is said to “cut down”; on the contrary, if the point is out of the level upwards it is said to “cut up.”
CUT UP.—Same as the last explanation.