Addressograph

/əˈdresəɡræf/ noun

Definition

A machine invented in the early 20th century that automatically printed addresses onto envelopes or mail.

Etymology

From 'address' + '-graph' (write or record), a trademark word for an actual device that revolutionized mail processing, becoming a generic term for such machines.

Kelly Says

The addressograph was basically the pre-computer answer to bulk mail—companies could load hundreds of address plates and the machine would stamp them perfectly onto envelopes, saving enormous amounts of time and making mass mailing possible.

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