[WRITING vbl. sb. 12 d + BOOK sb.]
1. A blank book in which to write for purposes of record, etc.; a book containing or consisting of writing-paper.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Cayer, a quier of any written paper, when a whole writing booke is deuided into equall partes.
1645. Papers rel. Scots Army (S.H.S.), 506. Payed for 3 wreattinge books, £0 14. 6.
1701. Maryland Laws, v. (1723), 16. Substantial Writing Books … for registring such Proceedings in.
1848. Thackeray, Van. Fair, xxv. Poor Briggs went and placed herself obediently at the writing-book.
1865. Enquire Within (ed. 27), 93. Buy coarse white paper,… ready to be made into writing-books.
2. An exercise book in which to practise penmanship or handwriting; a copy-book.
1612. Brinsley, Lud. Lit., iv. (1627), 30. A little copie booke fastened to the top of his writing booke.
1775. Ash.
1850. C’tess Ossoli, Woman in 19th Cent. (1862), 333. Having the youngest daughter set … copies in the writing book.
1878. B. Harte, Man on Beach, 64. Guiding her hand over the writing book.
