foolscap

[foolz-kap] /ˈfulzˌkæp/
noun
1.
a type of inexpensive writing paper, especially legal-size, lined, yellow sheets, bound in tablet form.
2.
Chiefly British. a size of drawing or printing paper, 13.5 × 17 inches (34 × 43 cm).
Abbreviation: cap., fcp.
3.
Also called foolscap octavo. a size of book, about 4.25 × 6.75 inches (11 × 17 cm), untrimmed.
4.
Also called foolscap quarto. Chiefly British. a size of book, about 6.75 × 8.5 inches (17 × 22 cm) untrimmed.
5.
fool's cap (def 1).
Origin
1690-1700; so called from the watermark of a fool's cap formerly used on such paper
Examples from the web for foolscap
  • Newsprint clippings and records on foolscap paper were recopied onto acid-free bond.
British Dictionary definitions for foolscap

foolscap

/ˈfuːlzˌkæp/
noun
1.
(mainly Brit) a size of writing or printing paper, 131/2 by 17 inches or 131/4 by 161/2 inches
2.
a book size, 41/4 by 63/4 inches (foolscap octavo) or (chiefly Brit) 63/4 by 81/2 inches (foolscap quarto)
3.
a variant spelling of fool's cap
Word Origin
C17: see fool1, cap; so called from the watermark formerly used on this kind of paper
Word Origin and History for foolscap
n.

literally "fool's cap; cap worn by jesters," 1630s; c.1700 as a type of paper, so called because this type of paper originally was watermarked with a court jester's cap.