Entete

/ˌɑn.teɪˈteɪ/ noun

Definition

Letterhead printed at the top of stationery; the decorative heading on official correspondence.

Etymology

From French 'entête,' literally 'at the head,' combining 'en' (at) and 'tête' (head). French printing tradition adopted this term for the decorated top portion of letters.

Kelly Says

Fancy stationery with elaborate designs at the top? That's an entête—and during the 18th-century European letter-writing era, how ornate your entête was basically advertised your social status!

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