Used also as pl. [f. L. ex librīs, lit. ‘out of the books,’ i.e., ‘from The library’ (of the person whose name follows); mod. Lat. phrase often used in inscriptions indicating the ownership of books.]
An inscription, label or stamp indicating the owner of a book; esp. a label or stamp of this kind artistically designed, bearing, e.g., the person’s arms or crest, or some emblematic device; a book-plate or the like.
1875. Manchester Guardian, 6 Dec., 7/4. A new word has come into use in the French language which has not been adopted yet by any dictionary. It is the term ex libris, applied to the book-plates and stamps by which collectors are in the habit of indicating their possession of a volume, especially of a rare one.
1880. Warren, Book-plates, i. 1. Now in England we call such a ticket as this, William Downing’s book-plate, as abroad it would be called his ex-libris. Ibid., xii. 124. In Germany, ex-libris have undoubtedly existed for more than three centuries and a half.
1884. N. & Q., 21 June, 486/1. A curious ex-libris … stamped on the paper lining the cover of the book, front and back.
attrib. 1891. (title) The Journal of the Ex-Libris Society.
