Category:Pica

Pi"ca, n. Etym: [l. pica a pie, magpie; in sense 3 prob. named from Some resemblance to the colors of the magpie. Cf. Pie magpie.]

1. (zoöl.)

Defn: the genus that includes the magpies.

2. (med.)

Defn: a vitiated appetite that craves what is unfit for food, as Chalk, ashes, coal, etc.; chthonophagia.

3. (r. C. Ch.)

Defn: a service-book. See pie. [obs.]

4. (print.)

Defn: a size of type next larger than small pica, and smaller than English.

Note: this line is printed in pica

Note: pica is twice the size of nonpareil, and is used as a standard Of measurement in casting leads, cutting rules, etc., and also as a Standard by which to designate several larger kinds of type, as Double pica, two-line pica, four-line pica, and the like. Small pica (print.), a size of type next larger than long primer, and smaller Than pica.

Note: this line is printed in small pica