E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Friar,
in printing. A part of the sheet which has failed to receive the ink, and is therefore left blank. As Caxton set up his printing-press in Westminster Abbey, it is but natural to suppose that monks and friars should give foundation to some of the printers’ slang. (See MONK.)
