Definition of imprint

The word "imprint" originates from the Middle English word "imprinte" which derived from the Latin word "imprimitura", meaning "an impression made by pressing." The word "imprimitura" was initially used in medieval manuscripts as a mark or symbol placed on the cover of a book to indicate that it had been officially authorized or approved by the Church or a University. Later, during the advent of printing in the 15th century, the term "impress" was used to denote the act of pressing ink onto paper during the printing process, and "imprint" was used to refer to the design or embossment stamped onto the cover or title page of a book to identify the printer or publisher. Today, the term "imprint" is also used to refer to the identification mark or logo of a publishing house or imprint that belongs to a larger publishing conglomerate.