Quire

A quire (pronounced 'kwire') is a collection of twenty-four or twenty-five sheets of paper folded to form the basis of a book, or a unit of paper used for writing or printing. The term historically referred to this specific quantity, though its use has diminished in modern times. It is sometimes used more broadly to refer to a bundle of paper, irrespective of the exact number of sheets, emphasizing the grouped or packaged nature of the material. This term is especially common in descriptions of historical documents, manuscripts, and the paper trade. The term's origin is believed to trace back to the 'cahier' of medieval French, which described a gathering of leaves bound or stitched together.

Quire meaning with examples

• The antiquarian carefully examined a fragile quire of parchment, dating back to the fifteenth century, seeking clues about its origins. The delicate paper sheets revealed faded ink and intricate script, hinting at a hidden narrative. He meticulously separated each sheet to ensure its preservation while researching the document's content and historical context.
• Before the printing press became widespread, scribes would meticulously craft books by arranging quires of vellum and carefully binding them together. This painstaking process highlights the value of knowledge during those times. Each quire formed a section of the book, which was then expertly sewn and bound.
• The stationer offered a selection of fine paper, including sheets sold by the quire, perfect for calligraphy and formal correspondence. She displayed samples that offered a glimpse of the quality the sheets of paper had to offer. Clients considered buying individual sheets as well, but were assured by the seller the purchase of quires would save them money.
• The archivist carefully cataloged a collection of historical documents, noting the dimensions of each quire to understand its original state and the binding methods used. They documented the size and form of each quire for future reference. The archivist wanted to maintain the original forms for future researchers and the document's preservation.
• In an early printing shop, the printer kept a stock of quires of various paper types to meet the needs of different publishing projects. The paper was graded from delicate to robust for different types of books and pamphlets. Printers would take great care to choose the right paper for the printed material.