v. [Back-formation f. next.] trans. To edit (a paper, periodical, etc.) under, to prepare (copy) for, the supervision of a chief editor. Hence Sub-editing vbl. sb.
1862. Thackeray, Philip, xlii. I can tell you there is a great art in sub-editing a paper.
1880. J. A. H. Murray, in Trans. Philol. Soc., 130. With their characteristic zeal, several Americans have offered to undertake sub-editing [for the ‘Oxford English Dictionary’]; but considering the perils of two voyages across the Atlantic, and the calamity of a loss which no insurance could cover, I have not felt at liberty to accept their help in this department. Ibid. (1883), Abstract p. iv. S,… partly arranged and sub-edited by Mr. C. Gray.
