Wā'ter-märk, n.

n. 1. A mark indicating the height to which water has risen, or at which it has stood. 2. A letter, device, &c., wrought into paper during the process of manufacture.

“The water-mark in paper is produced by wires bent into the shape of the required letter or device, and sewed to the surface of the mold;—it has the effect of making the paper thinner in those places. The old makers employed water-marks of an eccentric kind. Those of Caxton and other early printers were an ox-head and star, a collared dog's head, a crown, a shield, a jug, &c. A fool's cap and bells, employed as a water-mark, gave the name to foolscap paper; a postman's horn, such as was formerly in use, gave the name to post paper.” Tomlinson.

3Sense 3. (Naut.) A water-line. [Rare.] Simmonds.