[WRITING vbl. sb. 12 e + DESK sb.]
1. A desk used or designed for writing on; such a desk fitted with conveniences for holding writing materials, papers, etc. Also transf.
1611. Florio, Scrittoio,… a writing deske.
1688. Holme, Armoury, III. 370/2. He beareth Argent, a Writing Desk, proper.
c. 1732. Savage, Wks. (1775), II. 263. The advertisement of the Lady’s writing-desk.
1829. Scott, Wav., Gen. Pref. ¶ 11. The drawers of an old writing desk.
1840. Thackeray, Shabby-genteel Story, i. A number of … bills, neatly docketed in his writing desk.
attrib. 1891. C. Nisbet & D. Lemon (title), Everybody’s Writing-Desk Book.
2. A make of portable writing-case or box which on being opened forms or provides a desk or surface for writing on.
1862. Catal. Internat. Exhib., Brit., II. No. 6939. Despatch boxes, writing desks, and dressing cases.
1865. Patents (1869), 370. Improvements in portfolios, writing desks, writing cases.
