A blank leaf at the beginning or end of a bound book, originally used to protect the pages and commonly used for signatures or notes.
Compound of 'fly' (possibly referring to its connection or flexibility) and 'leaf' (from Old English 'læf'). The term dates to the 18th century. The 'fly' may refer to the leaf appearing to 'fly' or stick out, or to its protective fluttering quality.
Book collectors treasure flyleaves because they often contain inscriptions, dedications, or signatures from previous owners—you can literally read the history of a book's journey through hands! Antique dealers can date books partly by how the flyleaves are attached and what's written on them.
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