A word or group of words is sometimes enclosed in quotation-marks to give to such word or group of words a meaning somewhat different from its usual meaning. This use of the marks has a very wide range; and it is difficult to define the full scope of it. Its significance will appear in illustrative examples:
105. A drop-folio is generally used on a page on which a chapter begins or on a page containing an illustration extending to its top.
105-1. A “drop-folio” is a page-number that is put at the bottom of the page.
In No. 105-1 “drop-folio” is singled out as an uncommon word, as if quoted; and this fact is shown by the marks. In No. 105 it is used as is any other word in the sentence.
106. He received “big wages,” $1.00 a day.
In No. 106 we put “big wages” in quotation-marks to imply that some one has used this familiar expression in a boastful way without telling the whole truth, which is exposed in the small sum that follows.
107. She was very fond of “five-o’clocks.”
In No. 107 the writer implies that the afternoon teas of society are frivolous things. This is perhaps a purely conventional use of the marks, without an underlying reason for the meaning thus given.
In the next sentence the writer groups, by means of the marks, certain words into a title, which are identified by quotation-marks. Italics would answer the same purpose; but the former marks are preferred:
108. This fundamental work might be called, “An Introduction to the Study of Literature”; or, “The Elements of Literature.”