Minikin

nounStandard termPrinting

A historic type size measuring approximately 3 points.

An extremely small size of metal type, smaller than brilliant. It was rarely used for continuous reading due to its illegibility, but found occasional use in miniature books, footnotes, or specialized reference materials where space was severely restricted.

Heard on the job

The footnotes in this pocket bible are set in minikin, making them nearly impossible to read without a glass.

Also heard as

  • excelsior