Bookend

Bookend

A bookend is an object that is designed to buttress, or support, an upright row of books. It is placed on either end to prevent books from falling over, such as in a half-filled bookshelf. Bookends are both utilitarian and, often, decorative. They are common in libraries and in homes. Heavy bookends have been used for centuries; the simple sheetmetal bookend was originally patented in the 1870s, and uses the weight of the books themselves to make an anchor.

Bookends can be an important consideration in home decor. Some bookends are made of bronze, marble, wood and even large geodes. Elaborate and decorative bookends are not uncommon.


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  • bookend — ook end n. a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table). [WordNet 1.5] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • bookend — ► NOUN ▪ a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright …   English terms dictionary

  • bookend — [book′end΄] n. a support, often ornamental and usually one of a pair, put at the end of a row of books to keep them upright …   English World dictionary

  • bookend — /ˈbʊkɛnd/ (say bookend) noun 1. a support placed at the end of a row of books to hold them upright. –verb (t) 2. to act as a marker at the beginning and end of (a process, activity, etc.): a concert bookended by Beethoven sonatas …  

  • Bookend (disambiguation) — A bookend is a device used to hold a row of books upright on a shelf. It may also refer to:In arts and literature: * Bookends , an album by Simon and Garfunkel ** Bookends , the title track of the album *Framing device, an element of a story or… …   Wikipedia

  • bookend — noun Date: 1907 a support placed at the end of a row of books …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • bookend — /book end /, n. a support placed at the end of a row of books to hold them upright, usually used in pairs. [1905 10; BOOK + END1] * * * …   Universalium

  • bookend — 1. noun A heavy object or moveable support placed at one or both ends of a row of books for the purpose of keeping them upright. 2. verb To come before and after, or at both sides of Syn: flank …   Wiktionary

  • bookend — book|end [ˈbukend] n [C usually plural] one of a pair of objects that you put at the end of a row of books to prevent them from falling over …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • bookend — [[t]b ʊkend[/t]] bookends also book end N COUNT: usu pl Bookends are a pair of supports used to hold a row of books in an upright position by placing one at each end of the row …   English dictionary

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