A traditional term for a printed element that deviates from standard proportions, placement, or conventions. It is most commonly applied to a bastard title, which is a shortened title printed alone on a right-hand page preceding the full title page. It can also refer to non-standard type sizes or fonts that do not fit neatly into the regular point system.
Heard on the job
Make sure the bastard title goes on the recto before the frontispiece.