Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

(kŏl′ō̍-fŏn)

Noun.

[L.

colophon

finishing stroke, Gr.

κολοφών

; cf. L.

culmen

top,

collis

hill. Cf.

An inscription, monogram, or cipher, containing the place and date of publication, printer’s name, etc., formerly placed on the last page of a book.

The

colophon

, or final description, fell into disuse, and . . . the title page had become the principal direct means of identifying the book.

De Morgan.

The book was uninjured from title page to

colophon

Sir W. Scott.

Noun.

The conclusion of a book, formerly containing the place or year, or both, of its publication.