Macule

verbStandard termPrinting

To blur or double a printed impression during the press run.

Occurs when a printed sheet slips or moves slightly against the inked type or plate before the impression is complete. This results in a blurred, smeared, or doubled image on the paper, rendering the sheet unusable.

Heard on the job

The gripper slipped on that last batch and maculed the entire signature.

Also heard as

  • mackle