[Of uncertain origin: connection with prec. is not clear.] Vessel of paper (see quots.).
1790. Grose, Prov. Gloss., Vessel of paper, half a quarter of a sheet.
a. 1825. Forby, Voc. E. Anglia.
1840. Spurdens, Suppl. Forby, Vessel,… was used for theme-papers formerly at Bury School, and perhaps at others.
1860. Guide to Eton Gloss., Vessel, the eighth of a sheet of foolscap, on which derivations are written.
1891. Wrench, Winchester Word-Bk., 51. Vessel, a half quarter of Long-paper.
1910. Sat. Rev., 10 Dec., 751/1. Acton … made copious extracts,… written on vessels of paper specially made for him.
