SEWER.—The person who sews the sheets together on the sewing press—generally a female.
SEWING MACHINE.—A recent invention for the sewing of books with wire and thread.
SHAVING TUB.—The paper cut from the edges of a volume are called shavings. The receptacle into which they fall while the forwarder is cutting is termed the shaving tub.
SHEARS.—Large scissors used for cutting up mill-boards.
SHEEP.—An old term for all common work covered in sheep-skin.
SIGNATURE.—The letter or figure under the footline of the first page of each sheet, to indicate the order of arrangement in the volume.
SIZE.—A preparation used in finishing and gilding, formerly made with vellum, but can now be bought ready for use. When used on paper a thin solution of glue.
SLIPS.—The pieces of twine that project beyond the back of the volume after it is sewn.
SQUARES.—The portions of the boards that project beyond the edges after the book is cut.
STABBING.—The term used formerly for piercing the boards with a bodkin for the slips to pass through; more generally |179| known now as “holeing.” The operation of piercing pamphlets for the purpose of stitching.