Also 8–9 -ary. [f. STATIONER1 + -Y.
The word seems to have been evolved from or suggested by combinations like stationary ware, where the first word was originally adj. (see STATIONARY a. 6), but was naturally taken as a sb. used attributively.]
1. The articles sold by a stationer; writing materials, writing-table appurtenances, etc. (see quot. 1887). (Not in Johnson or in Todd, 1818.)
1727. Bailey, vol. II., Stationary, Stationers Wares.
1809. Parl. Paper (title), An Estimate of the Charge for Printing, Stationary etc. … for Dublin Castle.
1828–32. Webster.
1837. Hallam, Lit. Europe, I. I. iii. § 145. They sold parchment and other materials of writing, which with us have retained the name of stationery.
1857. Dickens, Dorrit, II. viii. To make a curious calculation of the amount of stationery consumed in it [i.e., the Circumlocution Office].
1880. Print. Trades Jrnl., xxx. 35. A special exhibition of Printing Machinery, Paper, and Stationery is to be held.
1887. Encycl. Brit., XXII. 460/2. Under the name of stationery are embraced all writing materials and implements, together with the numerous appliances of the desk and of mercantile and commercial offices. In addition to these, the term fancy stationery covers a miscellaneous assemblage of leather and other goods, such as pocket books, purses, bags, card-cases [etc.].
1894. J. Russell, Remin. Yarrow, vi. 125. A rush was generally made to the desk where the stationery was kept.
2. attrib. as in stationery business, trade, ware; stationery literature, ballads, chap-books, etc., hawked about the streets; Stationery Office, an office in London through which government offices are supplied with stationery, and which issues the reports, etc., published by the government.
1679–88. Moneys Secr. Serv. Chas. II. & Jas. II. (Camden), 153. To Margt Royston … in satisfacc’on of so much money due to her for stationery wares supplied by her husband to the Earle of Middleton,… 133 11 O.
1689. Order in Council, 24 Oct., in Lond. Gaz., No. 2500/1. Stationary Ware.
1716. Lond. Gaz., No. 5438/3. Proposals … for furnishing the Custom-House with Stationary Wares.
1798. Rep. Comm. Ho. Comm. (1803), XIII. 427. Stationary Office. This Office was established in 1786 … with a view to the saving of Expenses,… and to guard against Abuses in the application of the Stationary necessary for carrying on the business of Government.
1851. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, I. 205. The street trade in stationery literature.
1859. Stationers’ Hand-bk., 1. The Stationery trade. Ibid., 2. A stationery business.
