A navigational aid printed below the text block on the right-hand side of a page, repeating the first word of the following page. It was traditionally used by binders to ensure pages and signatures were folded and gathered in the correct sequence before binding.
Heard on the job
Check the guideword on page 16 to make sure it matches the top of signature B.
Also heard as
- catchword
Related terms
Catchword
The first word of a following page printed in isolation at the bottom right corner of the preceding page.
Signature
A large printed sheet folded multiple times to form a sequential section of a book.
Recto
The right-hand page of an open book or manuscript, traditionally bearing an odd page number.
Verso
The left-hand page of an open book or manuscript, traditionally carrying an even page number.