A straight length of wood or metal furniture inserted between the top edge of the type matter and the inner edge of the chase. It provides solid, square spacing at the head of the page to ensure the form locks up tightly and remains perfectly positioned during the press run.
Heard on the job
Drop a thicker headstick in there so the quoins have enough room to expand.
Related terms
Furniture
Blocks of wood or metal used to fill blank spaces in a chase and establish page margins.
Chase
A heavy steel or iron frame used to hold metal type and blocks securely together for printing.
Footstick
A beveled piece of wood or metal placed at the bottom of a page of type to help lock it into a chase.
Quoin
An expandable wedge used to lock metal type securely inside a chase.