A small or insignificant book; a young book (rarely used or archaic term).
Formed from 'book' plus the diminutive suffix '-ling' (from Old English '-ling', indicating something small, young, or of little importance). Compare 'duckling' or 'sapling.'
The '-ling' suffix is fascinating because it often carries a tone of affection mixed with diminishment—a duckling is cute but less than a duck. This word suggests books that are endearing precisely because they're small and modest.
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