branding
1. A method of marking a book with hot irons that
burn letters or symbols into one or more edges,
generally for purposes of indicating ownership.
Branding was most often employed in Mexico, and
was initiated in the early 17th century by the
monks in charge of convent libraries. Brands of
iron or bronze were used, usually on the head
edge, although it was sometimes done on the fore
edge and occasionally on both head and tail edges.
Unfortunately, the process often damaged the
covers, title pages, and endpapers; however. as a
mark of ownership, it was effective in deterring
the theft of books, as the brand could only be
removed by trimming deep into the margins. 2. The
process of rolling a FLESHER or SHEEPSKIN with hot
rolls for the purpose of smoothing the skin. (115 , 264 , 274 )
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